Media release: SA petroleum industry congratulates re-elected Malinauskas Government

South Australia’s oil and gas industry congratulates Premier Peter Malinauskas on his re-election and looks forward to working with his government on ensuring natural gas continues to play a central role in the state’s economic growth and energy security.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said Premier Malinauskas recognised the importance of natural gas to the state’s economy and energy system, and in driving growth in manufacturing industries.

“The SA Government, led by Premier Malinauskas and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, understands that natural gas is also central to South Australia’s energy and industrial transformation agenda,” Ms McCulloch said.

“Ensuring reliable supply of liquid fuels remains critical to South Australia’s mining, agriculture and freight sectors, particularly during periods of energy system stress.”

“At a time of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and an increasingly complex energy transition, policy certainty and investment in natural gas and petroleum are essential to maintaining energy security and powering economic growth.”

Ms McCulloch said natural gas underpinned the reliability of SA’s electricity network, and provided a practical and immediate pathway to reduce emissions in existing industries.

“The recent agreement between the SA Government and Santos to supply 200 petajoules of gas over 10 years to underpin the Whyalla Steelworks transformation is a clear example of the central role of gas in powering the next generation of manufacturing in the state,” she said.

The SA gas industry contributes more than $8 billion a year to the state’s economy and supports more than 14,000 jobs.

Recent pressures across global energy markets highlight the importance of maintaining adequate supply of both natural gas and essential fuels such as diesel to safeguard against shortages and ensure continuity for industry and regional communities.

Australian Energy Producers’ policy platform highlights the opportunity for natural gas to drive growth in the state’s manufacturing industries, reinforcing its importance to SA’s economic prosperity, energy security, and decarbonisation.