CANBERRA, Australia — Australia’s federal government is using the final sitting day of the parliamentary week to advance measures on

The government's gas reservation policy - announced a short time ago - has been branded a "half-baked solution" to a problem which has been deliberately created by foreign gas companies to gouge Australians for their own gas. The post “Half-baked” gas reservation a distraction that won’t raise a cent in revenue appeared first on The Australia Institute.

The government's gas reservation policy - announced a short time ago - has been branded a "half-baked solution" to a problem which has been deliberately created by foreign gas companies to gouge Australians for their own gas. The post “Half-baked” gas reservation a distraction that won’t raise a cent in revenue appeared first on The Australia Institute.

The Northern Territory has publicly criticized the Albanese government's proposed gas reservation system, arguing it lacks practicality for the region. Instead, territory officials are advocating for a significant pipeline project to transport gas from the Beetaloo Basin to the eastern coast. This call for federal backing aligns with growing concerns from Queensland and industry stakeholders who warn that the reservation plan could disrupt domestic gas markets and discourage new resource investments. The NT's stance highlights tensions between state and federal interests in managing Australia's energy resources. Critics argue the policy risks creating market distortions by prioritizing reserved areas over competitive allocation, potentially deterring both domestic and international investment. The debate underscores broader challenges in balancing energy security with economic incentives, as policymakers navigate the complexities of a transitioning fossil fuel industry. With major infrastructure projects like the proposed pipeline requiring substantial funding and political support, the NT's plea reflects urgent calls for actionable solutions rather than regulatory frameworks perceived as ineffective or overly restrictive.

Major foreign oil and gas companies operating in Queensland’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) export sector have expressed strong opposition to a proposed Australian government policy that could require them to supply gas directly to the domestic market. Under the Albanese government’s developing domestic gas reservation scheme, international investors such as Korea Gas Corporation, Sinopec, and TotalEnergies may be individually compelled to allocate portions of their production to Australian customers. The proposal forms part of broader efforts to address domestic gas affordability and security concerns, particularly as Australia balances its role as a major global LNG exporter with rising local energy demand pressures. However, industry sources indicate the plan has created significant tension between the government and overseas stakeholders who have invested heavily in Queensland’s LNG infrastructure, valued at around $80 billion. According to reports, these companies are alarmed by the prospect of mandatory supply obligations being imposed at an individual operator level rather than through a more flexible market-based mechanism. Industry participants argue that such intervention could undermine investment certainty, distort contractual export commitments, and potentially affect Australia’s reputation as a stable destination for large-scale energy investment. Consultation on the policy is ongoing, and discussions are expected to intensify as stakeholders assess the potential operational and commercial impacts. The debate highlights the broader policy challenge facing Australia: ensuring adequate and affordable domestic gas supply while maintaining the confidence of international partners who underpin the country’s LNG export earnings and energy infrastructure development.

The government's gas reservation policy - announced a short time ago - has been branded a "half-baked solution" to a problem which has been deliberately created by foreign gas companies to gouge Australians for their own gas. The post “Half-baked” gas reservation a distraction that won’t raise a cent in revenue appeared first on The Australia Institute.

There has been some debate on why eastern Australia gas prices have remained subdued so far this year given the rise in global gas prices following the constrains of LNG supply through the Strait of H...