Analysts and big energy users say loopholes in a proposed federal gas reservation scheme could let Santos escape its obligations. Under the plan, exporters would set aside up to 20 per cent of their production for the domestic market each year. Union leader Paul Farrow warned the draft laws could allow paper supplies and wide ministerial discretion. Santos has been accused of driving up east coast prices by buying large volumes of local gas to export. Industry lobby Australian Energy Producers argued the policy goes too far and could reduce supply.
A volunteer group in Fremantle is using a free noodle bar to show that households can cook without gas. Electrify Fremantle is running the Electric Noodle Bar during Fremantle Design Week, where chef Amanda Auwdina cooks vegetarian noodles on induction hotplates. Organiser Wilf Johnston says the group aims to reach people who have not yet considered switching. Research by consumer organisation Choice found induction cooktops are more efficient and cheaper to run than gas. Johnston expects gas networks to be called into question in coming years.
Apartment blocks face more hurdles than houses when switching from gas to electric appliances, experts say. Replacing shared gas systems requires the owners corporation to act, and getting every owner to agree can be difficult. One Brunswick block of 18 flats replaced its failing gas hot water system with heat pumps backed by solar panels. The work took four days and eliminated the building's $19,000 annual gas bill. Experts recommend long-term maintenance plans that include gas equipment replacement, so costs can be spread out and emergency repairs avoided.
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The United Nations Environment Program has warned Chevron after satellites detected high methane levels on five flyovers between November and August. The readings are linked to Chevron's Gorgon gas plant on Barrow Island, off the Pilbara coast. The latest release was equal to burning 110 tonnes of coal, and the plant was emitting methane at 7.8 tonnes per hour in August. Chevron says satellite readings carry a wide range of uncertainty and that it is seeking further clarification. The company says it reports its emissions in line with Australian rules.
Proposed federal laws would require liquefied natural gas exporters to supply gas to domestic customers. The Domestic Gas Reservation Scheme has been introduced to parliament but not yet finalised. Debate centres on whether the scheme would place a disproportionate burden on Santos, particularly through its Gladstone LNG project, or give it unfair benefits through exemptions for existing contracts. Critics question whether contract extensions should be protected. Santos chief executive Kevin Gallagher has called for clear, transparent rules rather than broad ministerial discretion.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will not abandon the responsibility of fighting the climate crisis, despite the government approving the Jackdaw gasfield. He pledged to block new North Sea licences and keep Britain on track for net zero by 2050. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said she alone will decide whether to approve the Rosebank oilfield, a decision sources say she is minded to block. Fahnbulleh also said she was sad about the breakdown of cross-party consensus on climate action. Burnham also announced that military aircraft would fight wildfires for the first time.
Gold Hydrogen has announced plans for commercial helium production on the Yorke Peninsula, which would be the first helium production in Australia since 2023. The plant is expected to begin within 18 months, though further testing and approvals are needed. Managing director Neil McDonald said the company is confident in its numbers and geology. A modular plant will be built on its Yorke Peninsula tenement, and the company says local and international markets are interested. The move comes as a global helium shortage has developed after Iranian missile strikes on Qatar's Ras Laffan gas plant in March.
The UK government is set to approve drilling at the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea on Wednesday, a decision to be announced from Aberdeen. The field is operated by Shell and Equinor. Climate campaigners have criticised the move, saying it undermines Labour's green commitments. A recent poll found nearly a third of voters would be less likely to back Labour if it approved more North Sea drilling. The decision on the larger Rosebank field is expected later this year.
Two Greenpeace activists have been charged after occupying an offshore gas platform to protest Woodside's planned gas developments. Chris Holden and Scott Mackenzie were charged with interfering with offshore petroleum operations, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment. They were granted bail with conditions, but must remain in custody for one more night due to a surety issue. Woodside said it halted operations at the platform during the protest and has since restarted them. Greenpeace maintains the protest was peaceful, while the WA Premier called it a dangerous act.
Gas use in the ACT has fallen about 20 per cent since 2020, according to territory figures. The government has set a goal of moving off gas by 2045. Fiona Wright, from the ACT's climate change and energy division, said older apartment buildings are the biggest remaining challenge. The Energy Efficiency Council ranked the ACT first nationally for energy efficiency but urged a formal requirement to replace gas appliances. Grattan Institute's Alison Reeve warned that rising charges for remaining customers could hurt renters and low-income households.
Resources Minister Madeleine King is facing calls to correct her claim that all emissions from the Beetaloo gas basin in the Northern Territory will be offset. Speaking at the National Press Club, King said she would have to check whether the emissions were offset. The NT government does not require offsets, and the federal safeguard mechanism covers only direct facility pollution. Researcher Tim Baxter found about 95% of expected emissions from four projects this decade would not have to be offset. King's office said all 135 Pepper inquiry recommendations had been implemented.
The Federal Government has introduced legislation to create the National Gas Reservation Scheme, which it describes as a landmark moment and Australia's first national gas reservation scheme. Resources Minister Madeleine King says the aim is to secure gas for domestic and business use at fair prices. The bills include a reservation figure equal to 20 per cent of export volumes, changes made after consultation, and the removal of the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism.
Musicians John Butler and Nicholas Allbrook are set to join a rally outside Western Australia's Parliament House next Tuesday. Organisers expect about 1000 people to call on the State Government to ban fracking in the Kimberley. Campaigners say the gathering will bring together Traditional Owners, environmental advocates and community members. The rally is part of a campaign opposing plans by Black Mountain Energy to develop gas resources in the region. Fracking remains lawful in parts of the Kimberley, and the proposal awaits a decision from the Environment Minister.
Resources minister Madeleine King says Australian industry will rely on gas for the foreseeable future. Speaking to the National Press Club, she said the national gas reservation scheme should push down power prices. The scheme will require gas companies to set aside 20 per cent of exports for domestic use and is expected to start in January 2028. King did not say when households and businesses would see financial relief. She said there is currently no replacement for gas in some industries.
Researchers at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility argue Western Australia does not face a gas shortage. They say producers could sell more gas domestically from existing projects. Woodside and the state government maintain the Browse gas fields are needed to avoid a supply crunch from 2030. Gas industry figure Steve Lewis says large projects only proceed with export sales, and that the domestic market is too small. The researchers also say Browse would be expensive and carbon-intensive.
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Labor has scaled back its domestic gas reservation scheme before it begins, limiting ministerial discretion over how much gas exporters must reserve. Resources Minister Madeleine King introduced the amended legislation to parliament on Wednesday. The original plan of 20 per cent has become an obligation of up to 20 per cent, and existing contracts are exempt. Critics, including unions, conservationists and business groups, say the draft still leaves exporters loopholes to sell to overseas buyers. A report also argues Western Australia's domestic gas shortfall stems from exporters choosing higher-priced markets rather than a lack of supply.
Labor has scaled back its domestic gas reservation scheme before it begins, limiting ministerial discretion over how much gas exporters must reserve. Resources Minister Madeleine King introduced the amended legislation to parliament on Wednesday. The original plan of 20 per cent has become an obligation of up to 20 per cent, and existing contracts are exempt. Critics, including unions, conservationists and business groups, say the draft still leaves exporters loopholes to sell to overseas buyers. A report also argues Western Australia's domestic gas shortfall stems from exporters choosing higher-priced markets rather than a lack of supply.
The Climate Council says coal and gas mines are using a loophole to expand operations while avoiding stricter climate laws that apply to new projects. It estimates that unless expansions are treated like new mines, emissions will rise by an extra 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year by 2035. Under the Safeguard Mechanism, existing facilities are not required to meet the tougher best-practice limits that apply to new ones. The laws are under review, and the Coalition has pledged to scrap them. The Minerals Council wants the mechanism retained.
Buru Energy has referred its proposed Rafael conventional gas project in the Kimberley to Western Australia's Environmental Protection Authority for review. The company says the project could supply the region with locally produced gas and LPG for the first time. Buru executive chairman David Maxwell said the project would improve energy security. Environmentalists argue it could pave the way for fracking, a claim the company rejects, saying it no longer uses hydraulic fracturing and has no plans for it.
