Friday, 14 August 2026

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:06): (1421) My question is for the minister for energy. Minister, a new RedBridge poll of 1006 Victorian voters shows 68 per cent support the option of gas in new homes and just 14 per cent are opposed. Is it still government policy to ban gas to new homes?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:06): I thank Mr Davis for his question. Mr Davis, my priority as the minister for energy is of course on keeping bills down and supporting families and businesses while guaranteeing gas supply for industry. It is really important to realise that we acknowledge that gas is a transition fuel, but supply is dwindling, and there is no denying that. It is getting more expensive, and it is depleting. What I can say is that switching to electric in an existing home can save up to $2000 a year. It is why we have got policies to support people –

David Davis interjected.

Jaclyn SYMES: It is not nonsense, Mr Davis. It is why we have got policies around helping families to switch to stable, reliable energy options like electricity and solar, which are really popular. We do not think it is appropriate to indefinitely lock households into high international gas prices, because it will leave other families and small businesses paying more.

We have the Gas Substitution Roadmap, Mr Davis. I am sure you are familiar with that. We are ensuring that there are no gas shortfalls. Importantly, this gas strategy is working. In the latest 2026 gas forecast AEMO states that our gas demand is forecast to reduce by 10.5 per cent over the next five years. Also, AEMO have said that the gas supply concerns are being moved out further and further because of the action we are taking – so reducing demand, making sure that the issues of when supply becomes an issue – it was 2027, it is now 2029. From 1 January 2027 all new homes will be built all-electric. This, as I said, saves families, saves householders around $880 per year, putting money back into the pockets of those families. It is important also that if you have an all-electric home in a new build and you have solar, you can save around $1800 a year. Mr Davis, this is about ensuring we have the right policy settings to ensure that the gas supply can be kept for where it is needed, and we are helping reduce the family costs of everyday households.

 David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (12:09): I am disappointed with the minister’s response there, but leaving –

Members interjecting.

David DAVIS: In 2024 the Premier Ben Carroll contradicted your predecessor Lily D’Ambrosio, saying, ‘I have gas at home. We’re keeping it for a range of reasons.’ I think that is symbolic of a lot of Victorians. A lot of Victorians like cooking with gas. Is a reversal of your government’s stubborn policy position to ban gas to new homes under active consideration?

 Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Minister for Energy and Resources, Minister for Environment, Minister for Climate Action, Minister for the State Electricity Commission) (12:09): Mr Davis, Victorians who already have gas can keep using it. If you already have gas, you can continue to have gas, including gas cooktops.

Members interjecting.

The PRESIDENT: Mr Davis, I notice you paused, because you enjoy silence when you make a contribution.

David Davis interjected.

The PRESIDENT: Actually you paused and people went silent, because you enjoy silence when you make a contribution, I have noticed, as we all do. So maybe show the same respect to the minister when she is answering the question.

Jaclyn SYMES: Mr Davis, as I said, people with existing cooktops can keep using them, including those that like to cook with gas cooktops. Our policies are about reducing demand and reducing costs, as opposed to those that you support, which will push up bills and squeeze supply out for industry.