Labor urged to back pro-supply gas amendments
Click here for TV/ Audio grabs with Janette Hewson, QRC CEO
The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) has called on the Federal Government to work with the Coalition on amendments to the Domestic Gas Reservation Bill and reject any attempt to further weaken investment confidence and future gas supply.
QRC Chief Executive Officer Janette Hewson said Parliament should focus on policies that deliver more gas supply, not more regulation.
“Australians want affordable and reliable energy, but you cannot reserve gas that has not been developed in the first place,” Ms Hewson said.
“Queensland already supplies around 90 per cent of the east coast gas market and has underpinned Australia’s energy security for more than a decade.
“The question before Parliament is whether this legislation will encourage new investment and new supply, or make it harder to develop the gas projects Australia will need in the years ahead.”
Ms Hewson said Coalition amendments would help ensure the scheme supports investment, protects commercial certainty and strengthens energy security.
“The greatest threat to affordable gas is a lack of supply.
“That’s why it would be a serious mistake for the Government to allow anti-gas activists and advocates to dictate Australia’s energy policy.
“You cannot oppose every new gas project and then expect plentiful, affordable gas for households, manufacturers and businesses.”
Ms Hewson said any reservation framework should support the development of new supply, not simply redistribute existing production.
“QRC supports the objective of reliable and affordable gas for Australian households and industry, but that objective will only be achieved by encouraging investment, streamlining approvals and bringing on new supply.
“The Government should work constructively with the Coalition to improve this legislation and ensure it delivers long-term energy security, rather than pursuing amendments that further undermine investment confidence.
“What Australia needs is more gas, more investment and more energy security, not policies that discourage the very projects needed to deliver them.”
Media Contact:
Matt Dunstan – [email protected]
