The DomGas Alliance (DGA) has today announced the appointment of Mia Davies as its new spokesperson, coinciding with the 12-month anniversary of the Western Australian Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the state’s domestic gas supply.
Ms Davies’ appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the State’s energy future, with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecast indicating a gas supply shortage will emerge in 2028, followed by a sharp decline from 2030 onwards.
“WA’s domestic gas reservation policy is the reason WA has historically enjoyed affordable, reliable energy that has underpinned industry, manufacturing and jobs, in the state” she said.
“Domestic gas powers the industries that sustain our economy, from mining and minerals processing to manufacturing and small business.
“If domestic gas supply declines as forecast, we will see higher energy costs, industry pushed offshore, and de-industrialisation that will diminish Gross State Product and result in job losses across the economy.”
Ms Davies also highlighted gas’ role in facilitating WA’s transition to a low-carbon future by enabling industries to cut emissions as new technologies are adopted.
“The Parliamentary Inquiry provided a compelling case for reform, including recommendations to update and reinforce the domestic gas reservation policy,” she noted.
“The bipartisan Committee produced a thorough and balanced assessment of the difficulties and prospects ahead for WA in securing domestic gas access.
“Twelve months ago, the Government acknowledged the significance of safeguarding both our economic interests and decarbonisation ambitions, endorsing most of the recommendations put forward.”
Ms Davies pointed out that there remained work to be done to implement all of the endorsed recommendations and to ensure a reliable and affordable gas supply continues to be available to WA businesses and households.
The State Government committed to work with gas producers to ensure they meet their domestic obligations and drive the timely delivery of new onshore sources of supply.
“Every Western Australian would expect the Government to deliver on these commitments so we can maximise the value and use of our State’s finite resources to create and sustain local jobs and our economy,” she said.
“Sadly, there’ll be no Made in WA future if we don’t get the settings right for the domestic gas policy.”
Ms Davies served for 17 years in the State Parliament holding senior leadership roles in both Government and Opposition.
Throughout her career she worked closely with the resources sector and strongly advocated for value adding opportunities to ensure Western Australians benefit from the State’s natural resource wealth.
The DomGas Alliance represents a cross-section of Western Australian businesses and organisations that rely on affordable and reliable domestic gas to operate, employ and grow.
