Teals, Greens fume over Labor gas move (10 May 2024)
Article summary: In a recent government announcement regarding a new gas strategy, concerns have been raised by teal independents, including MP Kate Chaney, and the Greens about the implications for climate change. The strategy underscores the necessity for new gas projects to secure affordable gas supplies beyond 2050, to support the transition to renewable energy. However, this move has sparked alarm among some members of the Labor party and environmental advocates who argue that it contradicts efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Kate Chaney, representing the Perth seat of Curtin, has been particularly vocal about the strategy. She criticises the government for not fully considering alternatives to increasing gas usage. Chaney highlights the inconsistency in Western Australia where a significant portion of gas, 90%, is exported despite domestic needs, suggesting the domestic supply argument is being used as a pretext to expand these exports further. This, she argues, undermines the country's commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.
The concerns extend beyond just the environmental impact, touching on political implications as well. Recent polls indicate that Labor is losing support in resource-rich states like Queensland and Western Australia, which could threaten their majority in the next election. This backdrop paints a complex picture of political strategy intertwined with environmental policy.
Teal independents like Chaney and Zali Steggall, who campaigned vigorously on climate action in the previous election, continue to challenge the government's fossil fuel policies. They argue that these policies cater more to industrial interests than to the urgent environmental needs or public welfare. The ongoing debate places significant pressure on the government to reconcile its economic and energy strategies with environmental commitments and public expectations. This conflict over gas and its role in Australia's energy future remains a pivotal issue as the country navigates its path towards a more sustainable and politically stable trajectory.
