Greenpeace Australia Pacific congratulates the Federal Government for reining in price gouging by the gas industry, after its energy policy including domestic gas price caps was passed by Parliament today.
The Federal Government’s Competition and Consumer Amendment (Gas Prices) Bill 2022 gained the support of the Greens and Independents to speed its passage through Parliament. It has been complemented by a package in next year’s Budget for electrification of low-income households.
Jess Panegyres, Head of Clean Energy Transition at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said that while the temporary measures are welcome, the Federal Government should extend gas regulation further to ensure power stays affordable.
“After years choking on gas, it’s a welcome breath of fresh air to see the Federal Government, backed by the Greens and Independents, finally standing up to an industry that has run rough-shod over the Australian national interest for years,” she said.
“These temporary measures to cap domestic gas prices will bring much needed relief for Australian households facing energy poverty, and enable businesses to keep their lights on. Support for low-income households to get off expensive polluting gas through household electrification will help peoples’ health and hip-pockets.
“Woodside and the other gas industry war profiteers showed their true colours this week. The government should also look at a long term plan to properly regulate the cowboy gas industry, and further accelerate the transition to cheaper, cleaner renewables.
“Measures such as a strong, effective Safeguard Mechanism that makes the big polluters such as Woodside do their fair share on emissions reduction, and a war profits tax on the gas industry to fund the energy transition, will help to ensure that the money being hoarded by the gas industry also flows into the pockets of Australians.”
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