Back to the federal government’s gas market review, Australian Energy Producers (AEP) has called it an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply.

The chief executive of AEP – a peak industry body representing Australia’s oil and gas exploration and production sector – Samantha McCulloch, said industry supported the government’s commitment to consolidating and streamlining regulations and creating a long-term stable regulatory environment.

The review is an opportunity to future-proof the east coast gas market and ensure reliable and affordable gas supply for Australian households and manufacturers.

Natural gas will play a critical role in Australia’s energy mix for decades to come. The east coast gas market needs to be fit-for-purpose to support continued investment in our abundant gas resources and avoid projected shortfalls.

McCulloch said the federal government’s Future Gas Strategy “makes clear” that natural gas will “remain critical to Australia’s energy security through to 2050 and beyond”.