For too long, Australia has been in a toxic relationship with gas. So here are 5 reasons why Australia needs to break up with gas:
1. Gas is a polluting fossil fuel that’s driving climate change
Gas is a fossil fuel that produces a lot of climate pollution wherever we extract, process and burn it. That pollution from gas (as well as from burning coal and oil) is overheating our planet and driving more intense and frequent unnatural disasters like bushfires, floods and heatwaves.
And yet, a lot of Australians don’t know that gas is a polluting fossil fuel, thanks to a concerted PR campaign from the gas industry to market gas as “natural” and clean.
From big advertising campaigns designed to mislead the public, to advertorials splashed across the front pages of Australia’s biggest-selling tabloid newspapers, they’re using all the dirty tricks to hoodwink Australians so that they can keep profiteering.
2. Gas is expensive and building more gas projects won’t help
Gas used to be cheap, but those days are long gone. Now it’s one of the most expensive energy sources and Australians are paying a heavy price for it on their energy bills. That’s because Australian gas companies export around 80% of our gas overseas. And, because gas is so expensive, it sets wholesale electricity prices in our main grid up to 90% of the time – even though it supplies less than 5% of our power.
Building more gas projects won’t help. That’s because all our cheap options to extract gas are gone, so now new gas is very expensive. New gas projects in Australia have high development costs and struggle to generate returns on capital investment.
3. Australia already has plenty of gas and we don’t need more
Gas has a small, shrinking and short-term role to play in Australia’s energy mix – and we don’t need more of it. We already produce 5x more gas than we need.
Pursuing new gas projects in Australia will enable multinational gas corporations to pump out more pollution and pocket the profits – leaving everyday Australians to pick up the tab for the climate damage. History shows that more gas won’t affect supply or prices in Australia, and will only increase corporate profits and climate pollution.
4. Fossil fuels leave Australia exposed, while gas corporations cash in
Because Australia exports so much of our gas, our gas prices are tied to volatile global markets. Even worse: gas corporations pay minimal tax on their exports. Australia only gets a 30% cut from our gas exports, whereas most other countries keep 75% or more.
Over time, reducing our reliance on gas is the only way to permanently secure Australia’s energy independence, lower bills and cut climate pollution for a safer future. As we move to phase out our gas production, gas corporations should be made to pay their fair share for the resources they have profited from.
5. Australia can reliably meet our energy needs with renewable power plus storage
Already, about 45% of the electricity in Australia’s main grid comes from solar, wind and hydro power. That’s doubled in the past six years. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) tells us that large-scale solar and wind, backed up by storage (massive batteries and hydro power), can provide power to Australians 24/7.
And even better: unlike fossil fuels, Australia’s abundant wind and sun are widely available resources that never run out – and they’re free. The International Energy Agency’s 2026 update shows that while the conflict in the Middle East sent gas prices soaring worldwide and pushed up global wholesale electricity prices, Australia’s dropped by 30% as renewables and battery storage helped reduce reliance on expensive gas and coal.
Plus, since gas appliances are less efficient than electric alternatives, getting off gas can save Aussie families 60% on heating and cooking costs.
So there you have it: it’s time for a clean break with gas – and to go all in on renewables.
