Victoria’s controversial moratorium on the coal seam gas industry will remain in place at least until mid-2016, despite industry claims the delay is neglectful.

Victorian Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said a ­parlia­mentary inquiry into the industry would begin in the first half of this year. She declined to say whether a chairman had been selected to run the inquiry, which will have 12 months to report. “We’re keen not to waste time," she said in an interview. “We have begun developing the terms of reference and they will be made public as soon as possible."