Queensland’s LNG producers will know within two weeks whether Resources Minister Madeleine King will kick off the process to curb exports this year after toughened rules came into effect. The rules are aimed at heading off gas shortages for east coast buyers.

A new regime confirmed by the federal government late on Thursday has emphasised that triggering the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism will be a “last resort” move, and consideration will be given to the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of LNG to Asia.