Madeleine King, minister for resources, speaks during the Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition in May
Political bargains hamstring Australia's Future Gas Strategy
Backroom political deal-making has undermined the government’s long-term vision for the domestic gas sector
The Labor government unveiled its Future Gas Strategy (FGS) on 9 May, and despite its lack of concrete details, industry has generally welcomed it as a good start. Canberra said gas would be an essential component of the energy transition, one set to play a central role in the country’s energy mix up to and beyond 2050. The strategy, announced days before the 14 May annual budget, is designed to support the government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, which aims to transform the country into a renewable energy “superpower”. The day after the budget’s announcement, however, Labor reached a deal with the Greens that threatens to rob the FGS of any real momentum in ensuring plentiful and affor
Also in this section
17 July 2025
US downstream sector in key state feels the pain of high costs, an environmental squeeze and the effects of broader market trends
16 July 2025
Crude quality issues are an often understated risk to energy security, highlighted by problems at a key US refinery
15 July 2025
Government consultations on the windfall tax and the exploration licence ban are positive steps, but it is unclear how long it will take for them to yield tangible outcomes
15 July 2025
A brutally honest picture about the potential role of oil and gas in 2050 should prompt policymakers to not only reflect but also change course to meet vital energy needs
