The Crisafulli Queensland Government’s announcement to unlock new oil and gas tenure in the Taroom trough is a win for Queensland businesses and households who want affordable, reliable, secure energy.

The Albanese Government has been dragged kicking and screaming into finally realising the urgent need to secure Australian gas for Australians, yet have provided no detail as to how they will support new gas investments, new gas infrastructure, or remove their failed interventions.

North Queensland-based Senator, Susan McDonald says “enough is enough” after listening to people and businesses struggling to afford power prices due to Labor’s aggressive net zero policies.

Up to 1000 jobs are in immediate jeopardy at the Tomago Aluminium smelter, with reports indicating the plant may be forced to shut down due to soaring energy prices.

It is clear that Australia holds the minerals and the capability to supply the next mining boom, and deliver the strategic and critical minerals our partners need. What is not clear is whether we will be able to maximise this opportunity – and this is where the Albanese Labor Government has been asleep at the wheel.

The recent closure of Alcoa’s alumina refinery is yet another notch on Labor’s shameful track record on securing Australia’s critical minerals potential, as they continue to drive Australian industry, investment, and jobs offshore.

Labor’s gas market interventions have failed the East Coast market, the ACCC has confirmed in their most recent Interim Gas report. 

The Government’s own consumer watchdog, the ACCC, has today warned gas shortages are imminent for southern states from the end of this year.

A Dutton-led Coalition Government will turbocharge our resources sector – and we see the future of gas as being instrumental to that.

We cherish this country because it affords opportunities like no other. But only – and I stress this point – if we’re governed well. When Australia is governed badly, dreams and ambitions become beyond reach. And that’s what’s happened during the last three years under the Albanese Government.