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Nationals seek to overturn Victorian gas connection ban and criticise Andrews Labor government energy policy as misguided and ideological

Melina Bath, a Nationals MP, opposes Victoria's gas connection ban, calling it shortsighted and deceptive, advocating for energy choice and reliable sources.

By news@gippsland - 3rd August 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals MP, Melina Bath this week in State Parliament put on notice for debate a motion to overturn the Andrews Labor government's ban on new gas connections in Victoria. Ms Bath said many Victorian homes are reliant on gas for heating and cooking and Labor's plan to ban gas connections is a shortsighted and misguided policy.

Victorians' cooking and heating choices shouldn't be dictated. Penalising new homebuyers for Labor's agenda will hike electricity costs and harm gas appliance manufacturers

Gas supply debate

Ms Bath said, "It is deceitful for Labor to peddle misinformation about Victoria's gas supply in an attempt to justify its ideological agenda. The Andrews government should not dictate how Victorians cook their meals or heat their homes. Around 80 per cent of Victorian homes are connected to gas, new homes buyers should not be punished for Labor's flawed agenda. Removing choice will only serve to push up electricity prices and send gas appliance manufacturers bankrupt," she said.

This week NSW declared that it won't be following Victoria and banning new gas connections because it 'doesn't need another complication' with its energy supply mix. Previous government studies show that the Gippsland and Otway Basins are a vast source of natural onshore gas.

Victoria's energy policy

Ms Bath said the energy mix in Victoria is far from stable and gas plays a critical role keeping the lights on and industry turning. "Renewable energy technology is in its infancy in our state and will not be a reliable or dominant power source for decades.

"Infrastructure and investment in renewables is presently not sufficiently advanced to justify Labor's ban on new connections. The Andrews government energy policy is ideologically designed with blinkers on - it's foolish to deny Victorians access to new energy technologies that are safe and reliable," Ms Bath said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com