Labor’s gas boost opens new front in crossbench election battle (9 May 2024)
Article summary: In response to the Australian government's new strategy promoting gas projects to sustain energy supply beyond 2050, significant concerns have arisen from various political corners, particularly from teal independents and the Greens. The government's stance is that these new gas sources, like Woodside’s Scarborough gasfield and the Narrabri project in NSW, are essential to prevent anticipated gas shortages in the eastern states by 2028 and in Western Australia by 2030.
Curtin MP Kate Chaney, a teal independent, has been vocal in her criticism of the government's approach. She argues that the government has not sufficiently explored alternatives to new gas projects, which she believes should only be a last resort. Chaney highlights the discrepancy in Western Australia where despite the state exporting 90% of its gas, only about 8% is reserved for domestic use, despite a supposed 15% reservation policy. Her stance is reflective of a broader concern among independents and some Labor MPs that the continued investment in fossil fuel infrastructure undermines the shift towards renewable energy sources and long-term environmental sustainability.
The debate is set against a backdrop of increasing political pressure, with recent polls suggesting the government could lose its majority in the next election. This political tension is accentuated by the Greens and teal independents who are prepared to make the government’s support for fossil fuels a central issue in the upcoming elections, similar to their successful campaigns during the last election cycle. They argue that such policies contradict the urgent need to transition to low-emission technologies and address climate change more aggressively.
This ongoing debate underscores a critical divide in Australian politics over energy policy, highlighting the challenges of balancing energy security, economic interests, and environmental sustainability as the country aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
