Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction) Share this | Hansard source

The New South Wales government has approved the Narrabri project: efficient transportation and pipelines empowering customers, making sure Australian gas is working for Australians. Gas is a critical enabler of our economy: 850,000 manufacturing jobs in this country. That includes crucial goods like fertiliser for food for Australians and people right around the world. PPE, from plastics, comes from gas.

There's a lot of support for our plan. Business NSW has said it is a 'welcome boost' for business. Chemistry Australia says it will 'support the continued viability of Australian manufacturing'. Even the AWU has said of our plan, 'Anybody who wants to see an Australian manufacturing jobs boom should back it.' Even some members opposite understand that gas is central to delivering affordable, reliable energy—but only some. The member for Hunter loves gas. In response to our plan, he said, 'Hallelujah,' it's a 'win-win all around' and it 'will put downward pressure on energy prices'.

But it seems that, on that side, if you like gas you get sidelined. Just last week, the Leader of the Opposition was in the Hunter Valley with all of his Hunter Valley favourites. The member for Newcastle was there, the member for Shortland was there—he was taking time out from 'running around the countryside supporting the Greens', as the CFMEU has put it. Mr Speaker, you'll be surprised to know that the one person who wasn't there was the member for Hunter. And who could blame him? The truth is: the Leader of the Opposition is paralysed by division and indecision when it comes to gas. While they're focused on themselves, we're getting on with delivering affordable, reliable energy.

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