Chemistry Australia, representing manufacturers in the Australian chemistry sector, endorses recent comments by Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP, that current gas prices are doing harm to Australia’s critical manufacturing industries.

Chemistry Australia CEO Samantha Read said the sector welcomes Minister Husic’s views on the need for a fairer approach to pricing gas for Australian industries and households.

“We are encouraged by Minister Husic’s support of manufacturing, and the Government’s ambition to build Australia’s economic diversity and resilience through the development of a deep and complex manufacturing sector,” said Ms Read.

“Reliable gas supplies at a competitive price are vital for Australia to maintain its domestic manufacturing industries, which will be essential in Australia’s transition to a low carbon and circular economy.”

“A petajoule of gas that goes through the Australian chemistry sector delivers $286 million of value and supports 1,600 full time equivalent jobs – we know that gas-based manufacturing delivers considerable benefits to the Australian economy.

"The Australian chemistry industry encourages the government to take a balanced approach in managing Australia’s gas resources to make sure Australia has the manufacturing capability, infrastructure and skills to decarbonise the economy and build new industries in hydrogen, green ammonia, and advanced recycling.

“Ensuring we make full use of our nation’s abundant natural gas is key to building a stronger, more sustainable economy and society that benefits all Australians."