Some Labor MPs oppose their government’s gas strategy

In the golden glow of Australians Olympians. This is the closest I’ll come to it. The Prime Minister’s shaking off a backbench backlash. You can’t get to net zero through wishful thinking. You need to get to net zero by making sure that you have that pathway there. The federal government’s pathway includes gas. A detailed new strategy outlines the vital role the fossil fuel will play in supporting Australia’s transition to renewables through to 2050 and beyond. Because of the firming capacity that it provides. But the optics and the process have ignited a fresh fracker. The future is renewables. We are committed to that, and a less reliance on fossil fuels over time is essential. Jed Carney is among half a dozen Labour MPs, mainly from Melbourne, who have spoken out. I don’t think that’s a problem at all. I think. I think that’s a reflection of a healthy caucus. Those Labour backbenchers are grandstanding. They’re full of it. If they were serious, they’d vote against opening new coal and gas mines instead of backing it. About 80% of Australia’s gas is exported under long term contracts to our Asian neighbours. So this strategy’s focus is onshore, getting more gas into the market by developing fields like Narrabri in New South Wales that the government says will eventually make gas more affordable. Music to manufacturers ears. Australia is one of the most expensive places to do heavy manufacturing for several reasons. Labor costs are high, productivity is low. The electricity prices are energy prices are very, very high. Most energy experts agree there’s no practical alternative to gas in the clean energy transition, but politically it’s tricky terrain For labour to navigate it needs to hold and win seats and the big gas producing states of WA and Queensland, while at the same time. Fending off a challenge from the Greens in inner city seats.