Susan McDonald, the shadow resources minister, appeared on RN Breakfast to provide further insights into the government’s gas reservation policy. During the discussion, host Sally Sara inquired about the mechanics of this policy and how it aims to compel gas companies to allocate a larger portion of their supply for the domestic market, particularly in light of the existing price cap mechanism.
McDonald clarified that under their proposed scheme, gas companies will be mandated to sell any uncontracted gas directly to the domestic market. She emphasized that the current structure has allowed many players in the gas market to operate under exemptions, which relieve them from strictly adhering to the price cap.
This means that while they are required to make gas available to the market, they do not necessarily have to sell it. McDonald highlighted this crucial distinction, asserting, “What we are saying is that we are forcing more Australian gas to remain onshore for Australians. Increasing supply will ultimately drive prices down.”
In a separate segment, tension mounted between education minister Jason Clare and deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley during a lively debate on Sunrise. With the PM engaged in discussions with the governor-general, Clare and Ley squared off regarding the choices voters will encounter on election day. Clare framed the choice as one between “higher taxes under Peter Dutton or lower taxes under Labor,” suggesting a vote for Labor would ensure a more favorable economic environment for Australians.
In contrast, Ley countered by asserting, “This election is fundamentally about who can manage the economy more effectively. It’s about who can genuinely assist Australians in improving their financial circumstances.”
