General News
6 August, 2026
Coalition announces commitment to gas
MEMBER for Lowan Emma Kealy has announced a Coalition Government would allow new conventional gas exploration and overturn Labor’s gas connection ban for new homes and businesses if elected this November.
Ms Kealy made the announcement last week, saying the decision would lead to lower energy prices and greater choice as part of a Liberals and Nationals plan for affordable and reliable energy.
The pitch is part of the Coalition plan to combat rising energy prices and the risks to Victoria’s energy supply.
Ms Kealy said Labor had “foolishly” cut Victoria’s energy mix to solely rely on renewables at the expense of existing reliable, low carbon-emission energy sources by phasing out gas and coal before renewable projects had anywhere near the capacity to cater for Victoria’s needs.
She said this had only increased energy prices and cost-of-living pressures for all Victorians.
“Labor’s ideological rush to only renewables has not only jeopardised the stability of our energy grid but also punished rural and regional communities by forcing them to host these renewable projects,” Ms Kealy said.
“Meanwhile, the cost of power only keeps rising.
“About 80 per cent of Victorian households rely on gas, making it a critical part of our energy mix.”
Ms Kealy said gas would form a critical component of the Coalition’s plan to lower energy prices.
“The Nationals and Liberals plan will unlock more gas to give Victorians more choice, lower energy bills, and take pressure off the reckless, hasty rollout of renewables projects, ensuring we can keep our homes warm and our businesses operating,” she said.
“If we’re serious about keeping the lights on, protecting manufacturing and lowering energy prices, we have to start backing low-emission local gas.
“Only the Liberals and Nationals have a plan to ease the pressure on energy prices and give Victorians the choice they deserve when it comes to their energy needs.”