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Energy | September 21, 2020

Gas monopoly not on Labor’s radar

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy says an independent ACCC Gas Inquiry report released earlier this month has again shown the Andrews Labor Government’s policies are resulting in less gas for Victoria and higher prices for local households and businesses.

Ms Kealy has repeatedly called for fairer gas prices in Horsham and for the current gas supply monopoly to be addressed.

“It is obvious that Daniel Andrews and his Minister have no interest in fixing the gas supply monopoly situation in the Wimmera,” Ms Kealy said.

“Under Daniel Andrews the average market price of gas in Victoria has increase by 99.1 per cent to $7.23 a gigajoule, up from an average $3.63 a gigajoule in 2014.

“We know that Horsham residents pay some of the highest gas prices in Victoria.

“COVID-19 being uncontrolled for months in Victoria has also forced many people to work from home and home school their children, putting even more pressure on family household bills.

“It’s been seven years since the Wimmera and Colac Gas Supply Tariff Order 1998, which constrained gas tariff increases to no more than CPI, expired and the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has done absolutely nothing.

“I am constantly contacted by local residents who have received astronomical gas accounts from the only provider in the area, Energy Australia.

“Our gas prices are soaring, and Labor isn’t prepared to acknowledge there is an issue.

"The Minister must address the gas supply monopoly in Horsham and skyrocketing prices.”