Gas

In June 2021 Energy Ministers agreed to a package of priority reforms to unlock new gas supply and improve the functioning of gas markets, including pipeline regulation, to ensure they are operating competitively and in the interests of consumers.

The package was endorsed by National Cabinet in August 2021.

The priority reforms include the following work-streams:

Accelerate development of the Wallumbilla Gas Supply Hub.
Review the pipeline capacity trading framework.
Expedite amendments to incorporate hydrogen blends and natural gas blends.
Implement agreed pipeline regulation reforms.
Implement agreed gas market transparency reforms.

To oversee the progress of the reforms a Gas Working Group has been established, with representatives from all Australian state and territory governments.

The Gas Working Group continues the work of the former Gas Major Projects Implementation Team (GMPIT). Prior to that, the Gas Market Reform Group (GMRG) was responsible for implementing the 2016 Gas Market Reform Package (see below).

The role of the Gas Working Group is to oversee the delivery of gas market reform priorities set by the Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM), as well as other relevant priorities specifically tasked by the Energy National Cabinet Reform Committee (ENCRC).

The Gas Working Group is also responsible for supporting Energy Ministers in their ongoing role to provide oversight of national gas policy and related regulatory frameworks as articulated in the Australian Energy Market Agreement (AEMA).