Leaders have swapped barbs over reforming the energy market following a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Canberra today.

Key points: Category D means weapon will only be available to professional shooters under certain conditions

Category D means weapon will only be available to professional shooters under certain conditions "It continues Australia's strong approach to the regulation of firearms," Malcolm Turnbull says

"It continues Australia's strong approach to the regulation of firearms," Malcolm Turnbull says Australia is not on track to meet Paris climate change commitments

Australia's chief scientist Alan Finkel addressed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull along with state and territory leaders about energy security and reliability after issuing a report on reforming the sector.

The report, detailed by the ABC earlier today, said Australia was not on track to meet the Paris climate change commitments and that investment in the sector has stalled because there is no long-term Government policy to reduce carbon emissions.

It was also critical of elements of the Government's Direct Action policy.

Mr Turnbull used the post-COAG press conference to once again rule out the introduction of an emissions intensity scheme, after it was highlighted by Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg on Monday.

"An emissions intensity scheme involves imposing a cost — a tax, if you like — on coal-fired generators, for example, and transferring that to subsidise lower-emission generators," he said.

"So, it has exactly the same purpose as a carbon tax … it's a form of emissions trading scheme.

"It is an additional cost on the electricity system. And it will increase the cost of electricity to households and businesses."

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill took aim at Mr Turnbull over his response, saying it was "disappointing" to see him rule out the introduction of an emissions intensity scheme.

Speaking on the Finkel report, Mr Weatherill said it noted "an urgent need for reform" of the national electricity market.

He told reporters it was "mischievous" to suggest equate an emissions intensity scheme with a carbon tax or emissions trading scheme and called for further debate.

"The Prime Minister himself, before he ascended to this role, said these words, 'mature evidence-based policy community indicated to voters through sophisticated explanation rather than infantile slogans would be the mark of his leadership'," he said.

"That's simply all we're asking for here. This is complex public policy. It is easy to scare people.

"But fundamentally, I believe in the intelligence of the Australian community to actually grapple with these complex public policy issues and come up with good solutions."

Malcolm Turnbull found some support from his Liberal colleagues. ( AAP: Lukas Coch )

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said: "I wouldn't be ruling things out."

But Mr Turnbull did find support from some Liberal premiers.

WA Premier Colin Barnett said too much attention was given to market schemes.

"[The situation] would be a lot better with a few simple fundamental reforms rather than exotic and eloquent market solutions," he said.

"These schemes assume or presume that you're going to have basically a perfect market in electricity, and by definition you can't."

Ministers agree to reclassify Adler shotgun

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 7 minutes 17 seconds 7 m Carbon emissions and Adler shotgun dominate COAG meeting ( David Lipson )

Premiers and chief ministers also agreed to reclassify the Adler shotgun if it contained more than five shots, moving it into the most restrictive category — category D.

The Commonwealth currently does not allow Adler A110 shotguns with a magazine capacity of more than five rounds into Australia, but the import ban can now be lifted after the agreement reached during today's meeting.

State and territory leaders will now have to introduce legislation into their own parliaments and pass it before the ban can be lifted.

The category D classification means the weapon will only be available to professional shooters under certain conditions, while Adler weapons with up to five rounds will be classified as category B.

It is not known what the situation will be for gun owners in possession of a soon-to-be category D weapon who do not hold the corresponding license, but comment has been sought.

Mr Turnbull said this was the first time the National Firearms Agreement had been strengthened "in this way" in 20 years.

"It continues Australia's strong approach to the regulation of firearms," he said.

"It reflects detailed discussions with all jurisdictions and stakeholders."

Mr Turnbull also noted support from the states and territories for a gun amnesty, announced in September.

The move has upset Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie, who labelled the decision "short sighted".

In a statement, Senator McKenzie said hundreds of thousands of gun owners would feel "entirely let down" by the reclassification.

"There is no rationale, common sense or evidence for Labor and Liberal premiers at the COAG meeting today to reclassify the Adler shotgun," she said.

"This is based on emotion, on fear, with not of a shred of evidence."