“The gas transmission industry is keen to work with governments and officials to improve efficiency and transparency of gas markets,” Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA) Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said.
However, Ms Cartwright warned ministers to ensure they did not use changes to market structure as a replacement for taking action on gas supply.
Ms Cartwright said improved markets would assist in creating favourable conditions for increasing gas supply, but would do little to ensure enough gas is available to meet internal and external needs.
“Access to and development of gas reserves is the answer to the looming gas shortage,” Ms Cartwright said.
“If we fail to meet the need for gas, a price increase is probably unavoidable.”
The Council of Australian Governments is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, Members include the Prime Minister, State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers, and the Australian Local Government Association President.
