Future Gas Strategy lays out winning plan for workers and climate, now time for action

The Australian Workers’ Union has today strongly endorsed the federal government’s Future Gas Strategy, which explicitly recognises the importance of gas to the future of domestic manufacturing over coming decades. The Albanese Government today released its long-term strategy that confirms the role gas will play in the transition to net zero by 2050. The strategy lays out an agenda for securing affordable gas for the nation as industry shifts the grid takes on more renewables, while also confirming Australian’s commitment to being a reliable trading partner. “Our members work across the gas supply chain, from extraction to transport and end-users across the economy so we understand the importance of gas to Australia as a key input to manufacturing and power generation,” said AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow. “It’s pleasing to see many of the AWU’s recommendations on gas reflected in this strategy, and we thank the Minister for listening to the perspective of the hundreds of thousands of workers whose jobs rely on gas. “For too long Labor has treated gas like some kind of guilty secret when the truth is that smart, sensible gas policy can actually help us meet our climate commitments. “Gas can play an important role as a lower emissions transition fuel for some industrial sites, in processing critical minerals that our green technologies rely on and to help fill gaps that renewable energy sometimes creates. “Energy policy should be built on evidence, practicality and the need to meet our economic, emissions and strategic needs – not on emotion, fear or an ideological attachment to preferred forms of energy. The strategy reflects this approach. “It was disappointing to see the Greens condemn the strategy only minutes after its release. This reflects a prejudicial view and an absence of serious engagement with the material.” Mr Farrow said while the strategy was sound, it was important now for words to be converted into hard action. “Encouraging as it is, the strategy will mean nothing if it gathers dust in a drawer,” Mr Farrow said. “Unclear, reticent messaging has fuelled widespread uncertainty around the future role of gas. Government has an uphill battle on its hands to address this. Its messaging should reflect the clear vision and positions laid out in the strategy. “Given long development timelines and forecast domestic shortages, actions to support increased supply should be a particular priority. “Government should not preclude further actions, not included in the strategy, to realise its vision. This might include, for example, investment in critical infrastructure where necessary.”