Reserve
Our Gas.
It's Australia's gas. Reserve some for us.
Why do we need a gas reservation?
Sky-high energy prices are sending manufacturers to the wall across Australia, and we’re seeing factories close because they simply can’t afford to pay their energy bills. We’re producing more gas than ever before, but prices continue to climb. How did this happen, and how can we take action?
For the past 10 years, we’ve seen LNG exports skyrocket, which has seen the price of gas in Australia rise as local manufacturers are forced to pay the same as international customers. That is why the AWU is renewing the call to Reserve Our Gas!
The federal government has launched a Gas Market Review, which will finally start a serious conversation into how to solve the problem of rising gas prices on the east coast.
A gas reservation on the east coast would force producers to set aside a portion of gas for local businesses, which would detach us from the international market and make prices lower again.
The east coast uses just 8% of all the gas produced across Australia each year, meaning there will be plenty left to export to international trading partners.
WA has shown this can and will work with the right policy in place. Ever since they implemented their own reservation in the 2000s, WA continues to pay a fraction for gas, especially compared to the east coast.
The AWU's proposal includes several key mechanisms:
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A requirement for LNG exporters to supply a fair portion of domestic demand
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Rules deducting third-party gas purchases from LNG exporters’ local supply commitments
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A ‘baseline-credit’ system, allowing producers who exceed their domestic supply obligation to trade credits with those that fall behind
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Powers for government to set prices for industrial users if market dynamics threaten manufacturing viability
What can we do about it?
The best time to enact a reservation was ten years ago, before LNG exports caused prices to skyrocket. But with more manufacturers under pressure, the second-best time is now.
News and updates
How can you help?
The AWU is calling for a gas reservation to secure stable, affordable energy for manufacturers and households across the east coast – and we need your help!
Sign the petition to join our campaign, and spread the word with your workmates and friends. Because it’s our gas, so let’s reserve some for us!