National leader David Littleproud has admitted that the so-called gas trigger launched by the Coalition to strengthen domestic fuel supply will not help with the current crisis, putting the opposition in agreement with Energy Minister Chris Bowen, who says the trigger is not a short – term measure.
Manufacturing groups have called on the federal government to activate the Australian Domestic Gas Safety Mechanism (WGD) as energy prices rise due to a confluence of factors including the East Coast cold pot. , the war in Ukraine and the coal-fired power plant. disruptions, which are also jeopardizing gas reserves.
National leader David Littleproud said the Coalition’s gas supply trigger would not offer a short-term solution. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
Speaking on ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday morning, Littleproud said there was no need to pull the trigger if the government could “pick up the phone” with the gas companies and reach a faster deal with them on raising the share of gas. reserved for premises. supply instead of exports.
“They have the ability to increase supply and that’s where we need to have a relationship with them … now we can increase that supply,” Littleproud said.
Asked if the trigger should be tightened, Littleproud said, “Well, I don’t think it will have any impact if it can’t go into effect by January 1 … that’s a long way, that’s very long winter for many people in eastern Australia who will tremble because of them [the government] I didn’t have the relationship with the gas companies to step in and pick up the phone. “
When asked if he said it was useless, Littleproud replied, “If it can’t take effect until January 1st, there are a lot of cold days between then … don’t you think?”
Minister of Resources Madeleine King. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
The gas security mechanism could only be implemented from 1 January, as it requires the Minister of Resources to take several steps in advance, including a consultation period with industry and other stakeholders, and the determination that a calendar year will be insufficient.
In response to Littleproud’s comments, the Minister of Resources, Madeleine King, tweeted that “she has been having constructive talks with the gas companies for days and that I have checked with them for many years”.