Albanese and Dutton Clash Over Gas Policies as Election Campaign Heats Up
Labor defends existing gas reservation powers while the Coalition pushes a new 20% diversion plan, facing criticism over feasibility and market impact.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized that existing government powers, introduced in 2022, allow for directing gas exporters to supply the domestic market if needed.
- Opposition Leader Peter Dutton proposed reserving 20% of uncontracted gas for domestic use, claiming it would lower wholesale prices to $10 per gigajoule, though household savings are not guaranteed.
- Experts and industry representatives raised concerns about the Coalition's plan, warning of potential market disruptions and questioning its enforceability.
- Labor criticized the Coalition's proposal as a rehash of earlier policies, asserting that current measures have already secured more domestic gas than Dutton's plan would.
- The Coalition promised to release economic modeling to support its claims but has yet to disclose detailed plans or address logistical challenges.
The Sydney Morning Herald 
