A coalition of consumer, industry, and environmental organizations is urging the Albanese Government to prioritize citizens over gas exporters as it prepares to announce a new gas policy. This call comes as the government faces increasing pressure to address rising energy costs and the impact of gas exports on Australian households.
Kellie Caught, Program Director for Climate and Energy at ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service), stated, “Australia’s focus on gas exports has tripled domestic gas and electricity prices, driving up inflation and household bills.” Caught emphasized that while multinational gas corporations are recording substantial profits, many low-income Australians are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and medication due to soaring energy costs.
Caught advocated for the government to implement controls on gas export markets. She cautioned against measures that could effectively subsidize gas companies or encourage new gas production, arguing, “It’s time for this government to prioritize people over rich gas companies.”
Concerns about the government’s potential direction in the gas market were echoed by Annika Reynolds, a climate policy adviser at ACF. They expressed alarm over media reports suggesting that any interventions might protect profit margins for climate-polluting gas corporations instead of holding them accountable. Reynolds asserted, “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 low-inflation energy efficiency and electrification measures.”
Tom Quinn from Springmount warned that government support for gas companies detracts from the ability to invest in industry electrification. “Every dollar spent subsidizing gas and bankrolling gas companies is a dollar that can’t be spent to support industry,” he said. Quinn highlighted the predatory pricing tactics and climate impacts associated with the gas industry.
The climate implications of continued gas exploration were addressed by Solaye Snider, a campaigner at Greenpeace Australia Pacific. Snider described the situation as a critical climate test for a government that recently reaffirmed its commitment to phasing out fossil fuels. “Any scheme that incentivizes new gas exploration means more seismic blasting in our oceans, pollution of our groundwater from fracking, and exacerbates extreme climate impacts like bushfires,” they stated.
In addition, Harriet Kater, Clean Industry Coordinator with Lock the Gate Alliance, highlighted strong public support for government action against multinational gas companies. Kater noted that the community has expressed dissatisfaction with how these corporations have operated since the introduction of coal seam gas exports from Queensland a decade ago. She argued that subsidies promoting new gas projects run counter to community interests.
As the Albanese Government prepares to unveil its gas policy, the demand for a focus on people over profits is becoming increasingly vocal. The outcome of this policy decision could significantly impact energy affordability and climate goals in Australia, as advocates call for action that aligns with public welfare rather than corporate interests.
