Melbourne — Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to reverse Labor’s gas restrictions if they form government after the November state election, arguing households should retain the right to choose their preferred energy source.

In a media release dated 13 August, the Coalition said it had launched targeted advertising campaigns across multicultural media outlets opposing the Labor Government’s gas policies. It argued that gas cooking remains important to many Victorians from multicultural backgrounds and that households should be able to choose whether they use gas or electricity.

The Coalition claims Labor plans to further restrict consumer choice for hot-water systems and heating from March 2027, with cooktops also potentially affected. It has framed the issue as a key point of difference ahead of the November election, promising to reverse the restrictions if elected.

Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction David Davis criticised Labor’s energy record, arguing its policies were increasing costs for families and businesses.

Davis claimed restrictions on replacing existing gas appliances could cost some households tens of thousands of dollars. He also criticised restrictions on gas connections in new estates and energy options available to new businesses.

“Only a Jess Wilson-led Liberal and Nationals Government will restore consumer choice by reversing Labor’s gas ban,” Davis said in the release.

The Coalition has positioned the issue as an election contest between Labor’s approach to electrification and its own commitment to allowing households greater choice over their energy source.

Editor’s note: References to a “gas ban” and claims about its financial impact in this article reflect statements made by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals in their media release and should be understood as political claims.