WA Economics and Industry Standing Committee Releases Final Report on DomGas Policy

The WA Economics and Industry Standing Committee has released its final report on the Western Australian Domestic Gas (DomGas) Policy. The report, which contains 77 findings and 30 recommendations, calls for a comprehensive review and update of the current policy. Notably, it suggests the development of a new domestic gas security policy objective to ensure the state’s energy needs are met.

The DomGas Alliance has welcomed the report’s findings and key recommendations. These recommendations underscore the importance of securing domestic gas supplies to support Western Australian households, businesses, and industries, while also aligning with the state's decarbonisation goals.

Richard Harris, spokesperson for the DomGas Alliance, expressed satisfaction with the Committee’s recognition of the need for a secure and affordable domestic gas supply. "We are pleased to see that the Committee has acknowledged the importance of securing a reliable domestic gas supply in Western Australia," said Harris.

Harris highlighted that the key recommendations align with the Alliance's efforts to modernize the domestic gas reservation policy. "The recommendation to reform the policy to deliver 15% of all LNG exports into the domestic market is a step in the right direction," he noted.

Additionally, the Alliance supports the Committee's call to broaden the gas reservation policy, increase market transparency, and tighten the management of retention leases for gas fields. However, the Alliance remains firmly opposed to any consideration of allowing onshore gas exports in the near future, citing the forecasted domestic gas shortfalls.

"Allowing onshore gas exports at this time would undermine our domestic energy security," Harris emphasised. The DomGas Alliance continues to advocate for policies that prioritise the state's energy needs, ensuring a stable supply for the decades to come.