CCWA Executive Director Matt Roberts said Premier Cook said earlier this year that WA was running out of gas, but “now he's admitting we have plenty”.   

"The Federal Government's domestic gas reservation scheme is supposed to ensure a fair deal from Australia's big offshore gas exporters. If multinational corporations like Woodside and Chevron gave their fair share to WA's domestic market, it would ensure lower energy prices for WA homes and businesses and prevent any need for new gas projects,” Mr Roberts said

"A Parliamentary Inquiry initiated by WA Labor found a range of problems with WA's reservation scheme, including the timing of supply. WA homes and businesses would benefit from the annual obligations proposed in the federal scheme - to secure supply when it’s actually needed.   

"CCWA supports a federal reservation scheme If it is designed in a way that will accelerate – not delay – the renewable energy transition. This can work alongside WA's existing scheme to help keep energy prices low and eliminate any justification for new gas projects. 

"What is absolutely clear is that WA has more than enough gas.  

 “It’s time we stop letting the gas industry and politicians manufacture fake gas shortages to justify new projects that would send WA gas overseas for the profits of multinational corporations. And it’s time we tax our gas exports properly, to fund the renewable energy transition and cost-of-living relief for everyday Australians.

“Premier Cook intervened to prevent a 25 per cent tax on gas exports earlier this year, despite widespread community support for that proposal in WA. If he intervenes again to prevent a functioning federal gas reservation scheme, WA nature and climate will pay the price, as will Western Australians through higher energy bills.”  

ENDS 

Media contact: John Cooke – 0433 679 780