A broad group of energy consumers, manufacturers, union groups, think tanks and political leaders have assembled in Canberra today calling for urgent action to relieve the price of energy for consumers by introducing measures to divert export gas to the domestic market.
Fresh analysis has shown that the projected shortfall in domestic gas markets could easily be met by diverting uncontracted gas back to the domestic market, driving down costs for Australian households and businesses. (IEEFA report Feb 20).
ACT Independent Senator David Pocock said, “Australia doesn’t have a gas shortage problem; we have a gas export problem. 80% of Australia’s gas goes to the export of gas overseas and yet Australian businesses and households are experiencing extremely high energy costs in large part thanks to gas prices.
“Much of Australia is getting on with the essential job of electrifying our homes and businesses to take advantage of cleaner, renewable energy opportunities. While this is underway - and particularly in industries that are hard to electrify - policy measures should focus on affordability of energy by capping gas exports.”
Senator Jacqui Lambie said:
"Most of our gas goes overseas and makes a bucket load of money for shareholders while Aussie businesses and householders are struggling to pay their power bills. I have been calling for a national gas reservation policy for nearly ten years, it's been shown to deliver for the WA community so why the hell can't we do it here? It's time to stop protecting the gas cartel and start protecting Australians."
Former Senator Rex Patrick said:
"It’s abundantly clear that both the Labor Government and the Coalition Opposition remain in the pockets of the gas cartel and their foreign owners, some of whom are Governments. In refusing to implement a gas reservation policy with proper controls over gas exports they've put the interests of foreign owned corporations and foreign governments far ahead of Australian consumers and manufacturing industry.
“A gas reservation policy would put Australian consumers and industry first is absolutely achievable and absolutely necessary.”
CEO of Manufacturing Australia, Ben Eade said:
“Australian manufacturers are bearing the brunt of a dysfunctional East Coast gas market, with high gas prices placing manufacturing jobs and investments at risk. Our abundant natural resources should provide benefits to all Australian businesses and households, not just a few. A carefully developed East Coast gas reservation policy is necessary to ensure we get the balance right, enabling producers and customers alike to invest with confidence.”
National Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Steve Murphy said:
“Workers and manufacturing industries are struggling with energy bills. The government’s approach to gas policy should prioritise cost-of-living measures through lowering energy bills for households and energy-intensive manufacturing.
“The biggest gas user is the gas industry itself and if they electrified there would be additional gas supply for domestic manufacturing and households.
“Australia must prioritise our finite and precious gas resources to support the industries that employ hundreds of thousands of highly skilled workers that underpin every aspect of Australian life, from food production and health, to infrastructure and household goods.”
CEO of Fertilizer Australia, Stephen Annells said:
“Australia isn’t facing a gas shortage – we’re facing a gas export crisis. It’s time to ensure Australian families and businesses have the gas they need before any is sent overseas. We’re calling on the Albanese Government to take immediate action and protect local consumers by prioritising domestic supply over exports.”
ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie said, “The federal Government must continue to invest to help people on low-incomes and renters access home energy upgrades, including electrification, to permanently reduce energy bills. In the meantime, gas export controls are needed to lower domestic gas and electricity prices so people who don’t currently have the choice to electrify get much needed energy bill relief.”
Principal Advisor at the Australia Institute, Mark Ogge said, “A handful of predominantly foreign owned gas corporations are draining Australia of gas.
They’re prioritising exports over supplying Australians, and overcharging us for our own gas. Gas exports have led to a tripling of wholesale gas and electricity prices in the eastern states and Western Australia.”
Note to editors
The group will hold a press conference in Mural Hall at 11am on Monday 24 March 2025.
Attending will be: ACT Independent Senator David Pocock, Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, Former Senator for SA Rex Fitzpatrick, National Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union, Steve Murphy, CEO of Fertilizer Australia, Stephen Annells, CEO of the Australian Council for Social Services, Cassandra Goldie and Principal Advisor at the Australia Institute, Mark Ogge
Media contact: Fiona Scott M| 0407 294 620 E| [email protected]