By CASEY NEILL
A new gas test would protect Dandenong South’s Viridian Glass and other manufacturers from rising prices, according to Isaacs MP Mark Dreyfus.
He visited the plant with Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen on Wednesday 18 May to unveil a Domestic Gas National Interest Test.
Mr Dreyfus said an ALP Federal Government would use it to ensure that liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports were in the interests of all Australians.
Viridian uses heat to make glass and its gas bill is about $10 million per year.
Worldwide demand for Australian LNG is pushing up prices, with some manufacturers already struggling to access gas because LNG producers earn more money by exporting.
A new Domestic Gas Review Board would administer the proposed National Interest Test for new LNG export facilities, significant facility expansions and other aspects of the industry.
It would examine economic, strategic, social, regional, industrial and employment impacts through a cost-benefit analysis and make a formal recommendation to the Treasurer.
“Labor’s policy for a domestic gas national interest test will support local manufacturers like Viridian and support local jobs,” Mr Dreyfus said.
“It is essential that manufacturing in Greater Dandenong remains competitive and introducing a domestic gas national interest test will benefit local workers and help maintain a strong manufacturing industry in Greater Dandenong.”
