Victoria’s premier Dan Andrews has been accused of hypocrisy just days after he announced a total ban on natural gas in new homes.
MP for Mornington Chris Crewther shared a photo of Mr Andrews cooking a vegetarian patty on his gas stove during a Covid lockdown in April, 2020.
The photo appears to be taken inside Andrew’s home.
‘I agree with what Dan does: cooking with gas. It’s much better!’ the Liberal MP said.
‘But I don’t agree with what Dan says: banning gas cooking in new homes from next year. Future cooking quality is going to go downhill!’
Angry Victorians quickly flooded the comments with criticisms of the gas ban, which will see all new homes connected only to electricity from January 1, 2024.
One Aussie compared Mr Andrew’s leadership to a ‘dictatorship’ that could now dictate what fuel residents used to cook their food.
‘Homeowners should be free to have the choice of gas or electricity,’ another said.
MP for Mornington Chris Crewther reposted a photo of Mr Andrews cooking a vegetarian patty on his gas stove during a Covid lockdown in April, 2020
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews last week announced his state would be banning the use of natural gas in all new builds and residential subdivisions from January 1, 2024
‘How the heck is this actually happening. The Australian National Anthem, we are young and free…… how so?’ a second added.
‘We don’t have choice anymore it’s been taken away from us. Living in Australia is going to be like living in bloody North Korea soon.’
A third shared: ‘The last big power outage we had, we could still have hot showers, boil water and cook dinner because we have gas.
‘Yet friends and family have all electric homes and had nothing.’
The Victorian government last week announced all new residential properties and subdivisions that require a planning permit will only be powered by electricity from January 1.
Great mates Daniel Andrews (right) and Anthony Albanese (left) fired up some sirloins when the pair met in Melbourne in November, 2021 using a gas-powered barbecue
The changes will help the state reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2045, Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said on Friday.
Residents of the all-electric homes will also save $1000 per year on their energy bills.
‘We know the cost of living for Victorians is getting bigger and bigger,’ Ms D’Ambrosio said.
‘Doing something about it is exactly what today is about.’
Changes to Victorian planning provisions and schemes will enable the new measures.
About 80 per cent of Victorian homes are connected to gas, with the sector contributing about 17 per cent of the state’s emissions.
A new $10 million residential electrification grants program will be established, allowing volume home builders and developers to provide bulk rebates for solar products to new home buyers.
The government is also updating its gas substitution roadmap, which will be released later this year.
Energy and Resources Minister Lily D’Ambrosio (pictured) said residents would save on their skyrocketing gas bills by transitioning to electricity
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association criticised the ban, saying the government should instead introduce renewable gas like hydrogen into the system.
‘Preventing new homes from connecting to gas now will not lower emissions, will not lower costs and will cut people off from the opportunities of the future,’ chief executive Steve Davies said.
But other groups are backing the changes, with Environment Victoria describing it as a vital step towards ending the state’s addiction to gas.
The Clean Energy Council said electric homes were more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run but Victoria’s push shouldn’t stop at new builds.
‘All Victorian households and businesses will ultimately need to switch from gas to renewable electricity,’ director Anna Freeman said.
‘The updated gas substitution roadmap must set out a clear strategy for managing this transition in an orderly but accelerated manner.’
Master Builders Victoria also welcomed the shift away from gas but said it was important consumers had the freedom to make informed choices.
‘State and federal governments must continue to engage with industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies that consider the varied energy requirements of different consumers and building types,’ chief executive Michaela Lihou said.
All-electric homes also improve residents’ health outcomes because gas stoves expose people to respiratory irritants, the Royal Australian College of GPs said.
Victoria is not the first jurisdiction to take action on gas, with the ACT to prohibit connections in new suburbs or infill developments by the end of the year.
Building sector groups including Frasers Property Australia and Cbus Property have also pledged to phase out gas cooktops.
The Victorian Greens welcomed the government’s changes but said the state was falling short by approving new gas drilling projects.
Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell said gas was an important part of Victoria’s energy mix and the government was rushing through the ban.
Radio broadcaster Kyle Sandilands (pictured) has slammed the proposal, saying the government was treating residents like they were ‘idiots’
Radio broadcaster Kyle Sandilands slammed the proposal last week, saying the government was treating Victorians like they were ‘idiots’.
‘I’m sick and tired of everyone thinking we’re idiots. These laws are for idiots. Losers are doing these jobs,’ he said on Friday.
‘They will be banning Bic lighters next, we will be rubbing two sticks together to get a cigarette lit.’
But CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council Luke Menzel has endorsed the move.
‘All-electric homes are all-good for Victorian families. They are cheaper to run, healthier to live in, and help lower emissions,’ he said.
‘Given the upfront costs of building an all-electric home are comparable to building a home with a gas connection, that makes going all-electric a no-brainer.’