Government's $350,000 gas policy consultant was paid by industry
ACIL Allen drafted Australia's gas strategy. The firm took money from three gas industry groups without telling the energy department.
ACIL Allen was hired by the government to help develop the Future Gas Strategy in 2023 and 2024. At the same time, the firm did work for major gas industry groups, Gas Energy Australia, the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association, and the Business Council of Australia.
ACIL Allen didn't tell the energy department about these competing interests. Climate Integrity discovered the undisclosed work during an investigation.
Under government rules, consultants must declare conflicts of interest. The firm's combined government contracts were worth more than $350,000.
ACIL Allen declined to comment. The resulting Future Gas Strategy concluded that natural gas is needed through 2050 and beyond.
It backed expanded gas investment.
- More than 350,000 dollars
- Government contract value
- Three groups
- Industry groups paid
- Through 2050 and beyond
- Strategy timeframe
- Climate Integrity
- Discoverer
Why it mattersPolicy shaped by undisclosed industry ties raises doubts about whether the strategy reflects the public interest or industry influence.
AustraliaThe Future Gas Strategy drives Australia's energy direction and gas investment decisions. Undisclosed conflicts may mean the policy was skewed toward industry interests rather than serving Australians.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
