Western Australia participates in Australia’s national regulatory framework for gas through its own version of the National Gas Law, known as the National Gas Access (Western Australia) Law
The National Gas Law provides the overarching framework for the economic regulation of gas pipelines and gas markets across Australia. It was established under the Australian Energy Market Agreement which all Australian governments signed, agreeing to develop and implement nationally consistent energy laws.
South Australia is the lead legislator for the National Gas Law, with amendments made through the South Australian Parliament.
How the framework operates in WA
The National Gas Access (WA) Act 2009 applies the National Gas Law to Western Australia.
As the national framework has evolved over time, the National Gas Law has expanded to cover additional matters such as retail market activities and market transparency mechanisms.
WA has generally chosen not to adopt these broader reforms into the National Gas Access (WA) Law. Instead, these matters are regulated under separate State legislation.
As a result, the national law and WA's version of the law have gradually diverged, with WA maintaining a framework focused on third-party access to gas infrastructure. The primary focus of the National Gas Access (WA) Law is on enhancing market competition by requiring certain pipelines to let third parties use their services to transport gas between locations. It also helps parties negotiate access by offering a clear process for discussion and dispute resolution.
Information is provided below about how the National Gas Access (WA) Law framework functions in WA, including the key institutions and legislative instruments.
Further information on the ongoing development of the National Gas Access (WA) Law, including the national reforms that Western Australia has adopted, is provided in the section titled ‘National Gas Access (WA) Law Development'.
