Hung parliament would power up pressure on gas (28 Aug 2024)
Article summary: Teal MPs, including Kate Chaney, and the Greens are demanding an end to new gas projects, posing a challenge for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese if he requires crossbench support to form a minority government. Of the 22 crossbenchers surveyed by The Australian, nine want an immediate halt to gas exploration, while three others support a rapid phase-out. The Greens, who hold significant sway in both houses, have made clear that any future cooperation with the government will hinge on a ban on new coal and gas projects.
Kate Chaney, the teal independent MP for Curtin, strongly opposes new gas developments, arguing that they hinder Australia’s decarbonisation efforts. Chaney stated, "Any additional fossil fuel project will make the decarbonisation pathway harder for every other sector." She emphasised that expanding fossil fuels is incompatible with meeting Australia’s climate commitments, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. Chaney’s stance is aligned with other teal independents like Zali Steggall and Monique Ryan, who also call for no new gas projects and advocate for a swift transition to renewable energy.
The recent Newspoll suggests a hung parliament could be on the horizon after the next federal election, with Labor's primary vote slipping to 32%, below its 2022 result. This scenario would increase the likelihood of a minority government, making the support of independents like Chaney crucial. Chaney and her fellow teals argue for policies that accelerate the shift to cleaner energy and decarbonisation, reflecting growing public concern over climate change. In contrast, another faction of the crossbench, including Bob Katter, supports expanding gas projects, illustrating the complex dynamics Albanese may face in balancing climate action with political pragmatism.
