Labor makes final push for gas reservation scheme support ahead of crucial debate

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Senior ministers have made a final pitch to the Coalition to back its gas reserve plan as the Albanese government tries to push it through a combative Senate.

Senior Labor ministers have made a final push to the Coalition to support the federal government’s gas reservation scheme, saying it would drive down gas prices for Australian consumers as it faces a major debate in parliament this week.

The scheme would require major exporters to keep a portion of their gas in Australia before shipping the rest overseas, ensuring the country never runs short of its own supply.

It will be debated in the Senate this week, with pushback from the Greens and Coalition.

Labor needs the support of both parties to pass the laws before the end of the year, but they have rejected the plans until major changes are made.

Resources Minister Madeleine King said the project would lower prices for Australian consumers and businesses and shore up critical supply.

“The Australian gas industry has been a remarkable economic benefit for the whole country, but the truth is Australians in some parts of the country feel that they indeed don’t get access to enough of the gas that they need at an affordable price,” she told Nine’s Today.

“The national gas reservation scheme is all about delivering Australian gas for Australian consumers and Australian businesses.

“It’s up to every single senator to decide whether they want to vote for lower prices for gas, for more supply … If they choose not to vote for the gas reservation scheme, then they are voting for less supply and higher prices, so that will be a matter for them.”

The Coalition had expressed concerns that the policy would be a detriment to domestic producers, while the Greens have called for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports, which has the support of the crossbench including independent senator David Pocock.

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