Former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser has called on the government to retain an independent climate advisory body as it unwinds Labor carbon policy. He challenged the government's claims that it could get similar climate advice from other public servants.

The Climate Change Authority chairman said he was frustrated and disappointed that the government was giving up a chance to receive ''good, independent advice''.

Climate Change Authority chairman Bernie Fraser. Credit:Penny Bradfield

The Abbott government wants to axe the authority as part of its repeal of the carbon tax. It also wants to shut the $10 billion Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The repeal bills are before the Senate this week.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt has said the closure was part of a push to reduce bureaucracy, and climate change advice could come from the federal environment department, CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology.