EUAA Appears Before Senate Inquiry, Calls for Timely Passage of Gas Reservation Bill
Emily Wood | October 23, 2026
The Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA) will call for the timely passage of Australia’s domestic gas reservation legislation when it appears before the Senate Inquiry into gas reservation, arguing that a well-designed scheme is critical to easing cost-of-living pressures and supporting Australian industry.
“After years of energy price volatility, Australian households and businesses need meaningful relief. A domestic gas reservation scheme is an important opportunity to put downward pressure on prices and improve access to affordable, reliable gas,” said EUAA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Richards.
“For our members, energy is one of their top three costs. When energy prices rise, those costs flow through to the price of food, building materials and everyday products. When businesses cannot pass on those costs, Australian manufacturing becomes less competitive, putting local jobs, investment and regional communities at risk.
“We are at a critical juncture. One of our members recently warned that, without action on energy prices, large-scale food processing in Australia could largely cease by 2031. The consequences would extend well beyond food security, affecting regional communities, local jobs and Australia’s sovereign capability.
“Claims that gas reservation will bring domestic gas investment to a halt are overstated. Recent falls in domestic gas prices, strong exploration and development investment, and continued investment by domestic producers demonstrate that affordable domestic gas and ongoing investment can coexist.
“LNG exports are important to Australia, and we expect them to continue. But Australian households and businesses must also have access to reliable, affordable gas.
“The legislation has improved significantly, but it must deliver on its promise. That means genuine additional supply, downward pressure on domestic prices, transparent and predictable rules, and strong compliance and enforcement.
“We will continue to advocate for targeted improvements to ensure the scheme works in practice, but we must not lose sight of the urgency. Australian energy users have waited long enough for meaningful relief.
“Ultimately, this is about whether Australians can afford to heat their homes, put food on the table and build a house for their families. It is also about whether Australian businesses can remain competitive and continue to invest and employ people.
“The Government should progress the legislation without unnecessary delay and ensure the scheme delivers the affordable energy outcomes Australian households and businesses need.”
The EUAA’s full opening statement to the Senate Inquiry is available in attached document.
The Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA) is the peak body representing Australian commercial and industrial energy users. Our members are the engine room of the Australian economy, producing many of the products that households and business use every day including bricks, glass, steel, aluminium, paper, food and beverages. Combined our members employ over 1 million Australians, pay billions in energy bills every year and in many cases are exposed to the fluctuations and challenges of international trade.
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Media Contact: Emily Wood 0421 042 121
