Government flags more gas projects under new strategy

The Albanese government has pledged its support for gas as an energy source for at least the next 25 years, despite some fierce opposition. Politics reporter Eliza Edwards joins us now. Eliza, what are the details of this new policy? Well, Sophie, as we know, Australia is on a pathway to net 0 emissions by 2050, and the government is today revealing what role gas will play in that energy transition. At present, gas suppliers 27% of Australia’s energy. The industry employs 20,000 people as well, and it’s a major export for us. The resources minister says gas will be needed as an energy source through to 2050 and beyond to underpin renewables and power manufacturing. The Future Gas Strategy guarantees government support for new gas projects into the future to meet energy demand. The plan is coming under fire from the Greens and environment groups and will likely be unpopular for some within Labour who want to see gas phased out much sooner because burning it adds to air pollution. The minister says one day gas will be substituted, possibly with hydrogen, for things like. Processing critical minerals and energy intensive manufacturing. But until then it would be wishful thinking to believe you can transition the energy system without gas. The 5 million households around the country that rely on gas for their heating and energy whilst we transition to electrification, That gas needs to be affordable and to be affordable you need reliable supply. Meanwhile, the government today, Sophie, has revealed new budget forecasts which show disposable incomes are set to climb 3 1/2% next financial year. That’s thanks to tax cuts and easing inflation. This will be a relief for households who have been dealt their fair share of financial blows in recent years. Yep, that is good news, Eliza. Thank you.