The AFR describes growing confusion and criticism surrounding the Albanese government’s proposed gas reservation scheme, which would require major LNG exporters to reserve 20 per cent of gas for the domestic Australian market from 2027.
Initially, Bowen suggested the policy would apply only to uncontracted gas and spot cargoes. That interpretation would have largely exempted the Santos-owned GLNG project because most of its gas is already tied up in export contracts. The gas hippopotamus later clarified the reservation would apply to all export volumes, yet the government has still not explained how it would force companies like GLNG to divert gas into the domestic market.
Industry frustration has grown because promised consultation workshops and draft policy documents failed to materialise on schedule. Gas producers and state governments reportedly received little meaningful detail, even after meetings with federal officials. Queensland Energy Minister David Janetzki criticised the federal government for rushing an underdeveloped intervention without proper consultation.
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