Federal Member for Mallee and Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Development Dr Anne Webster has been contacted by several businesses to express their alarm at the dramatic increase in wholesale gas prices over recent weeks and the implications for their future financial viability.
Dr Webster said one business was facing a 400% increase in the cost of gas, with further rises expected.
“The businesses I have spoken with are understandably distressed about the dramatic increase in wholesale gas prices and advise they will be unable to absorb these cost increases and remain financially viable going forward,” Dr Webster said.
“One manufacturing business I met with last week is facing an increase of approximately $250,000 a month or $3 million a year, a cost they simply cannot afford.
“With gas prices expected to increase even further, the Albanese Labor Government must act immediately to address this threat to Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing.
“I am calling on the Minister for Climate Change and Energy to pick up the phone today and call gas providers to avoid this pending disaster for our vital manufacturing businesses and to help take some pressure off rising cost of living pressures for residents.
“The Victorian Labor Government also needs to do more to increase and open Victorian gas production to alleviate the rapidly rising cost of living pressures.
Dr Webster said the situation in Western Victoria was also being exacerbated by the Andrews Labor Government’s refusal to address the gas supply monopoly situation that exists on the Carisbrook to Horsham natural gas pipeline which continues to drive up gas prices for western Victorian residents, despite ongoing requests by her state colleagues Emma Kealy MP and Louise Staley MP.