Industry calls for independent inquiry into gas supply
THE manufacturing and chemical industries have hit out at the Federal Government's energy white paper, calling for an independent inquiry into domestic gas supply.
But the industry, which has long held a view that some of Australia's gas production should be reserved for manufacturing, was unlikely to get the inquiry.
In more than a year that the government has worked towards the final paper release on Thursday, Resources Minister Martin Ferguson has repeatedly ruled out a gas reservation policy.
The white paper reflected his views, saying any reservation policy would not contribute to lower prices or supply certainty, and would rather hinder the development of a better gas market.
"Beyond concerns about its impact on market efficiency, a national reservation policy would also be damaging to the nation's investment reputation," the paper reads.
