Winston Churchill once said, “never let a good crisis go to waste”. The gas industry clearly agrees with him. It has taken a problem of its own making and turned it into a reason why Australians should ignore all their concerns about coal seam gas and let the industry drill wherever it likes. And if comments from our new federal Minister for Resources are to be believed, he has swallowed the industry’s spin hook, line and sinker.
Ian Macfarlane told a gas summit in Sydney on Thursday: ”Addressing the possibility of a gas shortage in New South Wales is one of the most important priorities.” But before you can solve a problem you first have to understand it.
Related documents
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
Should Australia ban fossil fuel advertising?
A tobacco-style ban on fossil fuel advertising would be a decisive win for Australia – and the climate.
Gas drilling off Great Ocean Road dangerous and unnecessary
A gas exploration drilling rig has appeared within sight of one of Australia’s most loved and iconic natural wonders, the 12 Apostles on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.
Fossil fuel subsidies
When governments subsidise fossil fuels—coal, gas, diesel, petrol—they not only waste public money, they also make climate change worse. Subsidies and tax breaks make fossil fuels cheaper, making it harder to switch to renewable energy and cleaner technologies. Ending fossil fuel subsidies is common sense and good policy.