With the election of Peter Malinauskas’ Labor team in South Australia (SA), the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) has urged the new administration to recognise the role gas would play in the future decarbonised energy mix and to focus policy efforts on protecting the state’s positive investment environment.

APPEA SA Director Claire Wilkinson said the industry’s long history in South Australia provided the basis for it to play a part in supporting jobs, economic activity and the community for decades to come.

“At the start of this new term, there is a massive opportunity for South Australia to maintain the positive economic momentum – but we need to keep the policy settings conducive to encouraging investment and creating jobs.

“Reliable and affordable natural gas plays a critical role in lowering emissions and underpins technologies that will help us achieve a cleaner energy future.

Ms Wilkinson said gas is helping SA become a cleaner energy leader through efforts to deploy carbon capture use and storage (CCUS), supporting the uptake of renewables, and developing new energy sources like hydrogen.

“South Australia has already done a lot of the heavy lifting. The state already has a robust and efficient regulatory system, encouraging business investment and creating jobs.

“But this must be maintained if the state is to keep at the forefront of the industry as we accelerate decarbonisation through technology and new energy sources.”

The APPEA 2022 South Australian Election Platform recommended the next government ensure ongoing investment and reliable energy supply; reduce emissions and support a cleaner energy future; and maximise local benefits.