Strengthened WA domestic gas policy to benefit WA gas users

The DomGas Alliance says that today’s changes to the WA Domestic Gas Policy reflect the importance of gas supply to WA homes and businesses, safeguarding the 400,000 WA jobs that depend on reliable and affordable gas.

“We expect Perth Basin producers to now fast-track development of their projects, offering gas to the domestic market in absolute lock step with any exports”, said DomGas Alliance spokesperson Richard Harris.

“Bipartisan support, particularly around the terms of the temporary 80% domestic obligation for onshore projects, will be key to policy certainty for all market participants.”

"The Government must make it absolutely clear that this policy is now set in stone, with no future reviews or amendments, and we need bipartisan support to ensure that the industry can move forward without the uncertainty of further reviews."

The Alliance welcomes the State Government’s confirmation that it will work with Woodside Energy to develop a plan to acquit the Pluto domestic gas obligations.

“We commend the Government for demanding compliance with domestic market obligations, while actively pursuing measures to help address DMO shortfalls and improve transparency. If successful, these measures could be a significant boost to pre-2030 gas supplies,” added Harris.

DomGas Alliance members, who consume 60% of the State’s gas, will be the litmus test of the new policy’s effectiveness.

“The Alliance and our members will continue to speak up for a fair and balanced domestic gas market, that protects local jobs,” Harris said.

"We called for the 2023 Parliamentary Inquiry that has resulted in the changes announced today. We are ready to work with producers and the Government to ensure these changes are implemented effectively and momentum and accountability is not lost.

“We now ask the State to establish the working group recommended by the Parliamentary Inquiry to address reforms and engage with industry stakeholders on critical issues like retention leases," Harris concluded.