Gas reservation scheme on track but loophole risk remains

In response to the Albanese government’s gas reservation bill, the ACF’s national climate policy adviser Annika Reynolds (they/them), said:  

“We commend the Albanese government moving forward with a gas reservation framework, and strongly welcome the inclusion of flexible compliance mechanisms that support Australia’s developing renewable gas industries and the electrification of Australian household and businesses.  

“The best way to keep gas costs low for Australians, is to continue to support the transition away from big gas to clean, cheaper renewables. 

“ACF urges the Albanese government to consider extension of the reservation scheme to WA LNG exporters, given the failure of the WA’s unenforceable reservation scheme to re-direct sufficient gas back to the west coast domestic market to date. 

“It is a concern that Ministerial discretion remains a hallmark of the reservation scheme.  

“ACF would be gravely concerned if the Albanese government left open loopholes for Santos to exploit, including discretion to allow Santos to use investment in big new gas projects that are turbo-charging climate change, like fracking in the Beetaloo Basin, as a substitute for actual compliance. 

“The introduction of a gas reservation scheme should mean Australia does not need to exploit new gas carbon bombs. Australia does not have a gas supply problem, it has a gas export problem. 

“We remain optimistic the Albanese government’s commitment to a genuine, functional reservation scheme and climate progress will prevail as the final details of this legislative package are landed.”