Peter Dutton’s gas plan is a superficial solution to a real problem. Australians deserve better

‘The Coalition has not explained what the process [in Peter Dutton’s election gas plan] would be or how it would work in practice.’ Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP

Peter Dutton says his policies would reduce the wholesale price of gas on Australia’s east coast from $14 a gigajoule to $10 a gigajoule by increasing supply. He also argues that lowering the price of gas would lower the price of electricity. Such an apparently simple and appealing proposal deserves serious assessment.

Three key facts need to be considered: