Photo of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews sparks fury after gas ban

The Victorian Premier has been labelled a “hypocrite” days after announcing a total ban on natural gas in new homes.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has been labelled a “hypocrite” and an “absolute disgrace” after a photo emerged of him cooking on a gas stove, after announcing a total ban on natural gas in new homes.

Liberal MP for Mornington Chris Crewther shared a photo of Mr Andrews cooking a vegetarian patty on a gas stove during a Covid-19 lockdown in April, 2020.

The photo appears to be taken inside Mr Andrews’ home.

“I agree with what Dan does: cooking with gas. It’s much better!” the Liberal MP said.

“But I don’t agree with what Dan says: banning gas cooking in new homes from next year. Future cooking quality is going to go downhill!”

The Victorian Government is billing the ban as a cost of living measure claiming households will save up to $1000 off their annual energy bills while reducing household emissions.

Australians were quick to slam the premier on social media.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: Jason Edwards

One person on Facebook said it was “proof we are truly living in a socialist dictatorship”.

Another described Mr Andrews as a “menace”. “Why can’t we just have a Dan ban?” a person asked.

Another opined that “homeowners should be free to have the choice of gas or electricity”.

Gas ban begins next year

Victoria’s Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio announced last week that from January 1, no new homes or residential subdivisions requiring a planning permit would be connected to main gas – a measure the government claims would save households $1000 a year, or up to $2200 if they had solar electricity installed.

The all-electric requirement would also apply to all new government buildings which have not yet reached design stage, including schools, hospitals, police stations and public housing.

The Energy Efficiency Council applauded the decision.

CEO Luke Menzel said “all-electric homes are all-good for Victorian families. They are cheaper to run, healthier to live in, and help lower emissions.”

“Given the upfront costs of building an all-electric home are comparable to building a home with a gas connection, that makes going all-electric a no-brainer,’’ he said.

The Victorian premier cooking on a gas stove during Covid-19 lockdowns. Picture: Facebook / Chris Crewther

NSW rules out gas ban

NSW Premier Chris Minns says he is not “pursuing” phasing out gas following the Victorian government’s move.

“We’re not pursuing that … the challenges in energy are serious in New South Wales. I don’t want to lead anyone up the garden path when it comes to that,” Mr Minns told 2GB radio on Monday morning.

“The circumstances in New South Wales are different. Only seven per cent of emissions in New South Wales are as a result of gas, Victoria has double the amount of emissions as a result of gas that New South Wales does.

“We’re facing a situation where we need gas for industry. We’ve also got baseload power that’s coming off in the next few years and not enough renewables coming into the system. I don’t need another complication or another policy change when the challenges ahead of us are so serious.”