Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, said a stable gas supply is necessary to support domestic use and exports [1].

This stability is critical because the energy sector serves as a foundation for broader industrial operations. Without a predictable supply of gas, the council suggests that Australia may struggle to maintain its competitiveness in the global market and fail to attract the capital needed for long-term growth [1].

Constable said increasing supply across Australia is essential for making sure gas is available for domestic purposes, while also acknowledging that it is an important export industry [1]. The balance between local needs and international trade remains a central point of tension for the country's energy policy.

According to Constable, the perceived stability of the energy market directly impacts the willingness of companies to commit funds to new projects. She said that if the gas industry is strained, investment does not come into Australia [1].

Industry leaders argue that a secure energy pipeline allows for better planning and lower operational risks. When supply is volatile, the cost of doing business increases, a factor that often pushes investors toward other jurisdictions with more predictable regulatory and resource environments [1].

Constable said the goal is to ensure that the industry can grow without compromising the needs of domestic consumers. This approach seeks to leverage Australia's natural resources to drive economic expansion, while safeguarding the energy security of local businesses and households [1].

“If you can strain our gas industry … then investment doesn't come into Australia.”

The Minerals Council's position highlights the tension between Australia's role as a global energy exporter and its internal need for affordable energy. By linking gas stability directly to foreign and domestic investment, the council is signaling to policymakers that energy insecurity is not just a utility issue, but a macroeconomic risk that could stifle industrial modernization.