Unions push pro-gas policies at ALP conference

Blue-collar unions have proposed an amendment to Labor’s policy platform that will strengthen the party’s support of gas.

National secretary of the Australian Workers Union Daniel Walton. Picture: Grant Wells.

Blue-collar unions have proposed an amendment to Labor’s policy platform that will strengthen the party’s support of gas, including for the construction of new projects.

An amendment proposed by Australian Workers Union union national secretary Daniel Walton and seconded by CFMEU Manufacturing national secretary Michael O’Connor would commit Anthony Albanese to “sensible measures to expand the east coast gas pipeline network”.

It also backs the use of carbon-capture and storage in the gas sector.

The amendment, which was proposed to go in the statement in detail section of the policy platform, builds on the draft platform which outlines Labor’s support for the “critical role that gas plays in the Australian economy”.

The amendment supports new gas projects and “consistent with achieving net zero

emissions by 2050”.

It says Labor supports the gas sector and the role it plays in: “creating economic growth and export income earnings; jobs retention and jobs creation; the provision of feedstock and heating to manufacturers; electricity generation; firming the NEM to allow further growth in renewables; and the provision of heating and cooking for Australian households”.

The amendment would force Labor’s gas policies to be “based on the principle that Australian users should have priority access to Australian gas”.

It will also label the Morrison government’s gas-led recovery a “failure”.

“The government has failed to solve the ongoing gas crisis and has failed to deliver affordable gas supply to Australian users, especially gas intensive manufacturers placing countless jobs and whole industries at risk,” the amendment says.

“The government’s gas-led recovery fails to include any policy that will immediately boost jobs to support Australia’s economic recovery.”

It says gas will be “capitalising on renewable energy opportunities”.

“Labor supports the development of gas reserves, subject to independent scientific assessments and effective environmental regulation,” the amendment says.

“Labor supports gas intensive manufacturing industries like chemical and fertiliser production and supports policies to help them grow and provide local jobs,” it says.

“Labor recognises the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in

the gas sector.”

The Australian understands there will also be an amendment pushed that outlines Labor’s support for the coal industry.