Liberals would scrap gas ban if elected in Victoria

The Victorian Liberals have committed to reversing the state government’s decision to ban gas to all new Victorian homes if elected, claiming it would “make life harder for Victorians”.

A NEW ban on gas would be scrapped by a Coalition government.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the state opposition is finalising a policy which would see the Andrews government’s gas ban repealed.

The policy is yet to be signed off by shadow cabinet, but some MPs have already started advising constituents of the decision.

“This ban would not happen under a Liberal Nationals Government, and we will repeal Labor’s ban on gas to all new Victorian homes,” one MP wrote to a constituent this week.

“Labor’s gas ban will make life harder for Victorians, and Victorians will pay higher energy bills and have fewer choices because of the Andrews Government’s new gas ban,” they said.

“This ban on gas will only add to the growing cost of living pressures for Victorian workers, families, and businesses at a time they can least afford it.

“We need a sensible transition, not panic decisions that restrict choice and lead to higher energy prices.”

An email template has been prepared for MPs outlining the opposition’s position.

It also compares Victoria to other states, highlighting the refusal of South Australia and NSW to phase out gas.

It also criticises the Victorian government’s election commitment to revive the SEC.

“The Andrews Government’s SEC has no funding partners and no planned projects,” the email says.

“The half-baked SEC has no plan, no partners, and no projects. Victoria is broke, with no money for the investment in energy generation, transmission, and storage that Daniel Andrews has claimed.

“Furthermore, the SEC still lacks a full-time CEO and just five months after being appointed, distinguished former Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, quit his role advising the SEC.”

Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny announced last month that every new home in Victoria would be banned from connecting to gas from January 1, 2024.

The ban will mean new homes will be powered entirely by electricity, with electric or induction cooktops to be installed instead of gas ones.

It will apply to new homes and residential subdivisions requiring a planning permit.

Public and social housing delivered by the government’s Homes Victoria scheme will also be affected by the gas ban.

The ban will not apply to commercial properties.