Australia should not be held captive to the gas lobby’s unchecked power and influence

The Albanese government made headlines this week for its decision to grant permits to gas companies to explore waters off the coast of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia for offshore gas wells. 

Ostensibly these permits are in the best interests of the Australian people, a preventative mechanism as a reaction to warnings of gas shortages on the east coast as early as 2027, warnings that have been issued by both the consumer competition watchdog and the Australian Energy Market Operator. On these facts alone, the urgent need to boost gas production and bolster the country’s gas reserves can be readily accepted.