LABOR PUSHING GAS OFF THE CLIFF
Dire shortfall warnings from the energy market regulator, and reports of using diesel to prop up gas generators are yet another wakeup call for the Federal Government and its energy policies.
Senator Susan McDonald, Shadow Minister for Resources, said that thanks to Labor’s utter incompetence in managing our gas and energy market over the last two years, Australians can expect gas shortfalls earlier than first forecast.
Senator McDonald said: “Labor have made no real strides to averting this looming shortfall, and attempting to blame imminent shortfalls on others, after two years in Government, is a weak attempt at deflection.
“Last year’s gas forecasts had East Coast shortfalls in 2027, and thanks to Labor’s abject failures, this forecast supply cliff has been brought forward to 2026, with some shortfall risks as early as next winter.
“There is no excuse that can justify why, despite the countless warnings from industry, energy experts and the Coalition, Labor has managed to drag us closer to the edge of energy blackouts and job losses.
“Labor has failed to take any concrete action to solve the crisis, with no offshore petroleum acreage releases since August 2022 and still no clarity on what consultation requirement reforms the Government will deliver for offshore gas regulations.
“The Coalition has been calling for urgent reform since the Tipakalippa decision in November 2022, and in keeping with the last two years, this Government has been all deflection and no delivery.
“These issues have been compounded by policy broadsides by the Government – from heavy-handed market interventions, to destructive industrial relations changes, and their secretive plans for EPBC changes.
“This is on top of the millions they have given to the Environmental Defenders Office, whose conduct is under serious scrutiny after allegations of witness coaching and confected evidence.
“Labor has driven our energy markets to the edge of the cliff, and thanks to their appalling approach to gas policy, the threat of gas shortfalls is closer than ever.”
ENDS