Consultation

The consultation was open for submissions from 30 June 2025 to 15 August 2025.

The departments thank everyone who responded to this consultation. The feedback will help shape the contents and recommendations for the Gas Market Review report.

To view submissions in response to the consultation paper, please visit the Published submissions page. Please note, responses have been published only where the author has provided permission for their response to be released publicly.

You can find a summary of the consultation process and key themes in the Gas Market Review: Consultation Summary [PDF 217 KB].

What we did:

  • A consultation paper was published on 30 June 2025 to seek stakeholder views on current regulations and potential reform options

  • Meetings with 80+ stakeholders

  • Public webinar with 220+ attendees online

  • Over 100 submissions received in response to the Review consultation paper

What we heard, based on key policy themes:

  • Supply, security and trade

    Most stakeholders support the introduction of a domestic reservation policy, supported by incentives for supply and infrastructure investment. Most stakeholders did not support strengthening the ADGSM or the Code or extending the HoA.

  • Contracting and bargaining conduct

    Most stakeholders supported amendments to the Code’s EOI process to better address bargaining power imbalances and concerns with its rigidity. Many supported major reforms to streamline contracting and bargaining processes.

  • Gas market transparency, reporting and governance

    Stakeholders expressed strong interest in centralised and more real-time transparency for price and supply information via AEMO if anonymised. Price and shortfall reporting, if managed through AEMO’s reporting structures, could provide more real-time information than existing processes.

  • Wholesale gas prices

    Many stakeholders expressed the view that the Code’s reasonable price mechanism has not effectively reduced prices or enhanced competition, with some supporting its removal. Broad agreement on the need to increase supply to help lower prices, but opinions were divided on whether an import terminal would achieve that goal.

  • Efficient wholesale markets

    Stakeholder views on options of market making and trading hub reform were mixed. Stakeholders noted that bilateral contracting is a relevant primary method to source gas, with markets currently being used to balance portfolios. A number of stakeholders supported opportunities to improve the efficiency of facilitated markets and reform of AEMO prudential requirements.

What Happens Next

Your input will help us to make Review findings and form recommendations to government. The Australian Government will consider recommendations from the review and next steps. The current regulations will remain in place until the review is finalised, and changes are implemented. It is likely that further consultation on the details of any significant changes resulting from the Review will occur before they are implemented.

  • Quarter 3 2025 - Analyse stakeholder feedback

  • Quarter 4 2025 - Final report delivered to Government by end of the year

  • 2026 - Implement Review recommendations agreed by Government

Overview

We are carrying out a combined review of the Australian Domestic Gas Security Mechanism (ADGSM), Gas Market Code and the Heads of Agreement with east coast liquified natural gas exporters.

The review will examine the effectiveness of the existing mechanisms and identify possible improvements. The review will also consider long-term policy settings and reforms for Australia’s gas markets to support investment and energy security for Australia.

This consultation is now closed and we appreciated your feedback on the following topics raised in the Consultation Paper:

  • issues within the gas market based on the key themes of supply, security and trade, contracting and bargaining, market transparency, pricing and efficient wholesale markets

  • the effectiveness of current policies and regulatory framework

  • proposed options for reform.

Consultation documents

Gas Market Review Consultation Paper [PDF 1.1MB]
Gas Market Review Consultation Paper [DOCX 489KB]

Gas Market Review Terms of Reference [PDF 223KB]
Gas Market Review Terms of Reference [DOCX 1.0MB]

Past webinar - 10 July 2025

A Gas Market Review information webinar was held on Thursday, 10 July 2025. This webinar provided an overview of the objectives and scope of the Review, the consultation paper and information on potential reform options.

You can watch a recording of the webinar, view the slides or read the transcript below.

2025 Gas Market Review Webinar Transcript [DOCX 66KB]

2025 Gas Market Review webinar PowerPoint presentation slides [PDF 1MB]

Timeline

  • Consultation opened
    closed

    30 June 2025

  • Consultation closed
    closed

    15 August 2025

  • Report to Government
    pending

    By the end of 2025