Victoria's Liberal-National opposition, led by Jess Wilson, pledges to scrap Labor's gas appliance ban within its first 100 days in office if it wins the upcoming state election, arguing the rules raise housing costs and energy bills. Under current rules, new homes and most commercial buildings must be all-electric from 1 January 2027, and domestic hot water systems that need replacing must switch to electric units from 1 March 2027, although gas stoves and heating systems can still be replaced with gas equivalents. The opposition says the ban adds up to $15,000 to new-home costs, while modelling by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group projects annual gas distribution bills for households rising by $142 to $267 as demand falls. Energy Minister Jaclyn Symes defends the policy as a way to lower power bills and reserve gas for industry, pointing to a $140 discount on induction cooktops and subsidies for reverse-cycle air conditioners. Business groups and gas network operators warn that rapid disconnections could strand infrastructure and push costs onto remaining customers.
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