Anti-gas campaigners missed the mark

Federal election exit polling conducted by the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) on Saturday found Natural gas issues scoring zero per cent as an issue of concern for the 2013 elections despite heavy campaigning by Greens, the Katter Party and some ALP candidates in surveyed seats.

The campaign groups have tried to tell Australia that natural gas development will be a key election issue but lost significant support, with voters strongly rejecting their anti-jobs and anti-investment policies.

The poll conducted to determine voter behaviours and influences revealed that Australians were largely voting in response to their concerns about the economy scoring up to 50% of voters, cost of living pressures at 22%, and immigration issues, at 13%.

Natural gas issues scored zero as a spontaneous issue of concern as well as a stimulated issue when people leaving polling booths were prompted in the many seats polled.

An analysis of voting results in electorates where the anti-gas groups campaigned shows that Australians rejected their message marked by the high swing rates in Page, Groom, Kennedy, Maranoa and Gippsland. The electorate at Kennedy had the highest percentage of swings at -17.12%, a 37% fall from the primary votes.

The natural gas industry will continue to work hard developing open and mutually beneficial relationships with landholders while creating jobs and investment that benefit all Australians.

The APPEA is the peak national body representing Australia’s oil and gas exploration and production industry. It works in collaboration with Australian governments to help promote the development of the nation’s oil and gas resources in a manner that maximises the return to the Australian industry and community.