Chemistry Australia CEO Samantha Read has said that delaying the decision on the National Energy Guarantee framework at Friday’s COAG Energy Council, would be at the cost of energy users and jobs.

“The ongoing politicking around energy policy that is critical for this nation’s future, is dismaying,” said Ms Read.

“We are calling on all States and Territories to approve the Energy Security Board's framework for the National Energy Guarantee on Friday, so that the work required to change the National Electricity Law can begin.

“The debate around emissions targets needs to be resolved, but this should not prevent the progress of the NEG mechanism itself.

“The only certainty at the moment, is uncertainty. Businesses have investment decisions on hold, putting ongoing viability and jobs at risk.

“You can’t separate energy policy from industry policy. We support the principle to build in flexibility to allow future Governments to make changes to the NEG that may be required, but this cannot be at the cost of certainty for investment. This is the important balance that the Energy Security Board has considered in their final design.

“The Australian chemistry industry has welcomed the intensive consultation period by the Energy Security Board to ensure that the NEG mechanism is workable for all stakeholders. We respect the considerable work completed to bring the policy this far.

“Let’s not miss this chance to bring a decade of inaction and false starts on energy policy to a close,” said Ms Read.

Gas is particularly essential to the business of chemistry. It’s important for process energy, and it is also a non-substitutable ingredient for advanced manufacturing. The Australian chemistry industry uses 10% of Australia’s domestic gas for its molecular properties to create a huge range of products essential to our everyday lives. These include fertilisers for our crops, cleaning products for health and hygiene in our homes and hospitals, and smart packaging to keep our food fresher for longer.