It’s not just the latest bout of uncertainty about how the government’s safeguard mechanism to reduce carbon emissions will affect the viability of various gas projects, including some already approved. It is also Labor’s dual and contradictory messaging about the future role of gas.
The government is confident the public remains on side – particularly given the industry’s tarnished reputation making it an easy target as it is blamed for both high carbon emissions and power bills. Yet, the gas industry is distinctly unsettled by Labor’s obvious willingness to add to costs and uncertainty of further development with a range of simultaneous, compounding measures.Competition and Consumer Commission