Gas Industry

Sterle defended the government's record, noting that no gas supply shortfall had occurred despite reforms to the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism and heads of agreement with LNG producers. Sterle highlighted the economic contribution of the gas industry, including job support and revenue, while emphasising the government's commitment to energy security during the transition to net zero. Sterle referenced Western Australia's historical domestic gas reservation policy as a model for balancing local needs with national interests. Sterle stated that a current review of gas market regulations was examining the effectiveness of existing mechanisms.

Hodgins-May argued that the gas market was broken by policies favouring corporate profits over domestic needs, resulting in tripled prices and job losses in manufacturing. Hodgins-May criticised gas companies for tax avoidance and called for taxing the industry to compensate households and redirect gas to domestic use. Hodgins-May opposed incentives for new gas fields, arguing that existing supply should be prioritised for Australians before exports. Hodgins-May advocated for a rapid transition to renewable energy and a phase-out of fossil fuels to ensure long-term energy security.

Canavan acknowledged the need for fossil fuels but criticised the motion's premise, arguing that the US has lower prices due to abundant shale gas production rather than export restrictions. Canavan contended that forcing prices below production costs would halt development, particularly in coal-seam gas fields with higher extraction costs. Canavan blamed the Greens for opposing past LNG projects and fracking in Victoria, which he argued limited domestic supply options. Canavan stated that developing new resources, rather than redirecting existing exports, was the necessary solution to lower prices.

Ghosh opposed the motion as a blunt instrument lacking necessary detail on volume and pricing mechanisms, which could disrupt investment certainty. Ghosh explained that gas plays a crucial role in the energy transition by providing flexible power to support renewable uptake and industrial needs. Ghosh highlighted government reforms, including strengthened market operator powers and the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism, as more effective tools for managing supply. Ghosh argued that long-term price stability required maintaining investor confidence through clear regulatory frameworks rather than abrupt redirections.