Today’s meeting between Malcolm Turnbull and gas producers must deliver a sustainable solution to the nation’s gas crisis.

But not only are the states, manufacturers and customers sidelined from today’s discussion, Malcolm Turnbull is asking the gas companies to solve the crisis for him. 

This is the weak leadership Australians have come to expect from their Prime Minister.

It defies sense to leave the groups who control many of the levers on gas policy, the states - and its biggest consumers, the manufacturing industry  - outside the room.

We need to secure gas supply for today, not just for the months and years ahead. 

For years Labor has been calling for a National Interest Test that will reserve gas for domestic users if needed.  

Labor’s policy is clear: there must be a local gas available for local industry.

We must look at all viable options to secure our domestic gas supply, and we need real leadership, otherwise tens of thousands of Australian jobs will go.

By ignoring the warning signs for years, the Government now finds itself with a crisis that requires immediate action.

Australians cannot afford yet another talk-fest from Mr Turnbull.  Another political stunt dressed up as a policy isn’t good enough.

It is a disgrace Malcolm Turnbull has let this crisis escalate to this critical point.

WEDNESDAY, 15 MARCH 2017