Gas lobby ‘scare campaign’ urges Victoria to scrap ban in new homes, leaked documents show

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Published: 2026-09-23T15:30:57.343Z • Permanent link

Victoria's decision to ban the installation of gas appliances in new homes has been met with fierce resistance from the gas lobby. According to leaked documents, the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has launched a concerted lobbying campaign to convince the state government to scrap the ban. The campaign, which has been ongoing for several months, has seen AGIG engage with key policymakers, industry associations, and even local councils to sway public opinion. AGIG's efforts have been backed by prominent lobby groups, including the National Energy Customer Advisory Network, which has accused the ban of being "unworkable" and "unfair" to consumers.

At the forefront of the lobbying effort is AGIG's CEO, Justin Santamaria, who has been a vocal critic of the ban. Santamaria has claimed that the ban will lead to a shortage of gas appliances, causing prices to skyrocket and leaving consumers with limited options. He has also accused the state government of "kowtowing" to environmental activists and ignoring the needs of vulnerable households. AGIG has also pointed to the ban as a threat to the state's economy, citing the potential loss of jobs and revenue from the gas industry.

Meanwhile, experts have been quick to dismiss AGIG's claims, pointing to a lack of concrete evidence to support their assertions. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has stated that the ban will have "little to no impact" on the availability of gas appliances, and that consumers will still have access to alternative options, such as electric appliances. The Victorian government has also stated that the ban is necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, citing the state's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

The implications of AGIG's lobbying campaign are far-reaching, with potential impacts on the entire Data Sources domain. The ban on gas appliances in new homes is a key component of the Victorian government's plan to reduce emissions and improve public health, and its reversal could have significant consequences for the state's environmental policies. If the ban is scrapped, it could pave the way for the widespread adoption of gas appliances in new homes, potentially undermining the state's efforts to reduce emissions.

Electricity companies, such as Origin Energy and EnergyAustralia, could also benefit from the reversal of the ban, as it would give them a competitive advantage in the market. Research communities, such as the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and the Clean Energy Council, have also weighed in on the issue, with many arguing that the ban is necessary to reduce emissions and improve air quality. The potential impact on the state's economy and job market is also a significant concern, with AGIG's claims that the ban will lead to a shortage of gas appliances and price increases.

The debate over the ban on gas appliances in new homes is part of a larger pattern of competing approaches to reducing emissions and improving public health. In recent years, several states and territories have implemented their own bans or restrictions on gas appliances, while others have chosen a more incremental approach, such as increasing the minimum efficiency standards for appliances. The Victorian government's decision to ban gas appliances is also part of a broader trend towards electrification, with many experts arguing that gas appliances are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.