A coalition of consumer, industry, and environmental organizations is urging the Australian Federal Government to prioritize the needs of citizens over the interests of gas exporters. This call to action comes as the Albanese Government prepares to unveil a new gas policy, expected imminently. Advocates express concern that the current focus on gas exports is significantly impacting household energy costs and driving inflation.
Kellie Caught, Program Director for ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service), highlighted that Australia’s emphasis on gas exports has led to a tripling of domestic gas and electricity prices. “This has resulted in many low-income households skipping meals, forgoing air conditioning, and going without necessary medications because they cannot afford their energy bills,” she stated. Caught emphasized the need for the government to implement controls on the gas export market and to avoid subsidizing gas companies or promoting new, polluting gas production.
Environmental advocates are particularly alarmed by reports suggesting that the government might consider measures that would protect the profits of multinational gas corporations. Annika Reynolds, a climate policy adviser at ACF (Australian Conservation Foundation), expressed that the government should not bow to corporate interests. “The Albanese government does not need to capitulate to the gas giants. It should rein in corporate profiteering, freeing up public funds to help households and small businesses invest in energy efficiency and electrification measures,” they noted.
The negative impact of subsidizing gas has also been echoed by industry representatives. Tom Quinn from Springmount remarked, “Every dollar spent on subsidizing gas is a dollar that cannot support industry electrification, leaving them vulnerable to predatory pricing and climate impacts from the gas sector.”
Solaye Snider, a campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, warned that any scheme encouraging new gas exploration would lead to environmental degradation. “This is a key climate test for a federal government that recently made strong statements on the need to phase out fossil fuels. Incentivizing new gas exploration means more seismic blasting in our oceans and pollution of groundwater from fracking,” Snider stated.
Public sentiment appears to strongly favor action against multinational gas companies. Harriet Kater, Clean Industry Coordinator with the Lock the Gate Alliance, noted, “There is strong support among voters for the Albanese Government to take action against the multinational gas companies that have taken advantage of Australians since they began exporting coal seam gas from Queensland ten years ago. Subsidies for new gas projects are the opposite of what the community wants.”
As the Albanese Government prepares to finalize its gas policy, the pressure from these organizations highlights the urgent need to balance energy needs with public welfare and environmental sustainability. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence energy costs and climate strategies in Australia.
