Australian Energy Producers has released its priorities for the upcoming federal election, focusing on restoring Australia’s competitiveness and ensuring reliable, affordable domestic gas.
The industry’s plan comes as new polling in key Western Australian seats shows strong support for the natural gas industry and its role in WA’s long-term energy mix.
Samantha McCulloch, Chief Executive of Australian Energy Producers, emphasised the critical role of natural gas in Australia’s energy future.
“Natural gas will play an essential role in Australia’s energy mix to 2050 and beyond,” she stated.
However, McCulloch warned that regulatory uncertainty, approval delays, and policy interventions have hindered critical projects and damaged Australia’s investment reputation.
Despite Australia’s abundant gas resources, the country faces forecast gas shortfalls on the east coast from 2027 and in Western Australia from 2030.
McCulloch cautioned that without new gas projects, Australian households and businesses could face higher energy prices, uncertain supply, and increased risk of blackouts.
The industry body is urging major parties to commit to four key priority actions:
- Boost Australian gas supply to ease cost of living pressures
- Restore Australia’s global competitiveness for investment
- Deliver real emissions reductions with gas and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS)
- Remain a reliable energy partner in the region
McCulloch highlighted the significant economic contribution of the Australian gas industry, which adds $105 billion annually to the economy and supports 215,000 jobs.
Natural gas provides around 40 per cent of the energy used in the manufacturing sector and over half the energy used in mining and minerals processing in Western Australia.
Recent polling in the Western Australian electorates of Curtin, Tangney, and Bullwinkel revealed strong support for the natural gas industry.
In Curtin, 73 per cent of respondents support WA’s natural gas industry, with 64 per cent believing it has a long-term role in the state’s energy mix.
Similar sentiments were echoed in Tangney and Bullwinkel, with 72 per cent and 77 per cent support respectively.
The polls also indicated opposition to the Greens’ policy of banning all new gas projects, with 69 per cent in Curtin, 60 per cent in Tangney, and 74 per cent in Bullwinkel opposing such a move.
As the federal election approaches, Australian Energy Producers is calling on the next Australian government to prioritise actions that boost new gas supply, address approval delays, and ensure reliable and affordable energy for Australian households and businesses.
