Shadow resources minister tells Sydney conference Coalition would give gas the same status as a critical mineral to boost industry funding

• Election 2025 live updates: Australia federal election campaign
• Polls tracker; election guide; full federal election coverage
• Anywhere but Canberra; interactive electorates guide
• Listen to the first episode of our new narrative podcast series: Gina
• Get our afternoon election email, free app or daily news podcast

The Coalition has told a gas industry conference in Sydney it would give gas the same status as a critical mineral, to allow the industry to access a $4bn export finance fund set up to support the transition to net zero.

Queensland senator Susan McDonald told the conference on Wednesday morning the policy would ensure that gas – which is methane, a fossil fuel – “remains a critical part of the Australian economy for decades”.

Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter