Media release: Australian oil and gas sector congratulates Opposition Leader Sussan Ley

Australia’s oil and gas industry congratulates Sussan Ley on her appointment as Leader of the Opposition and Ted O’Brien on his appointment as Deputy Leader.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the industry looked forward to working with the Coalition on policies that deliver more gas supply and investment to ensure Australian households and businesses have reliable and affordable energy.

“Sussan Ley brings significant experience and leadership to this role and understands the critical role of natural gas in Australia’s economic and energy security,” Ms McCulloch said.

“Similarly, as Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, Ted O’Brien championed the role of gas in Australia’s long-term energy mix and advocated for the inclusion of gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme.”

Ms McCulloch said industry welcomed the Coalition’s pre-election commitment to bring on more gas supply by streamlining environmental approvals, protecting critical energy projects from lawfare, including gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme, and supporting investment in gas infrastructure.

Industry stands ready to work with both major parties to implement bipartisan policies that will:

• Boost Australian gas supply to ease cost of living pressures

• Restore Australia’s global competitiveness for investment

• Deliver real emissions reductions with gas and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS)

• Remain a reliable energy partner in our region

“Australia has abundant gas resources, yet we face gas shortfalls this decade due to regulatory uncertainty, approval delays and policy interventions that have delayed new gas supply and damaged Australia’s investment competitiveness.

“Addressing these risks must be a priority for the new Parliament,” Ms McCulloch said.

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