Media Release: WA gas industry congratulates Cook Labor Government on re-election

WA’s oil and gas industry congratulates Premier Roger Cook on WA Labor’s re-election, and looks forward to continuing to work with the government to deliver reliable and affordable energy to WA and the region.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said WA’s economy runs on natural gas, providing more than half of WA’s primary energy and 60 per cent of the state’s electricity.

“Premier Cook has been a strong supporter of WA’s oil and gas sector, recognising its importance to the WA economy and the state’s energy security, and the critical role that natural gas plays in reducing emissions in Australia and the region,” Ms McCulloch said.

WA’s gas industry contributes $35 billion a year to the WA economy and supports more than 73,000 jobs in the state. Natural gas also provides more than half the energy used by WA’s mining and minerals processing sector that drives the state’s economic growth.  

“At a time when cost-of-living pressures and energy security are front of mind, the oil and gas industry is committed to providing reliable and affordable energy for WA and the region,” Ms McCulloch said.

Ms McCulloch said the industry was committed to working with the WA Government to progress key policies including bringing on new gas supply to avoid forecast gas shortfalls from 2030, unlocking new onshore gas exploration and development, and progressing the implementation of the Government’s Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Action Plan released in November.

“WA’s gas sector has a critical role to play in reducing emissions in WA and the region, while continuing to provide reliable and affordable energy to WA homes and businesses. CCUS will be essential to achieving net zero by 2050 and presents significant economic opportunities for WA,” she said.

Ms McCulloch said WA’s gas industry valued the strong bipartisan support of the Liberals and Nationals for the sector, which provides policy certainty and stability that is so critical to business confidence and encouraging investment.

“A strong gas industry is essential for a strong WA economy, and we look forward to working with all elected members in the next parliamentary term,” she said.

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