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Challenges to liberalism: The case of Australian energy policy

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  • Hay, James L.

Abstract

This paper considers liberal and nationalist economic policy approaches to the ownership and development of Australian energy resources (oil, gas, coal and uranium). In the two decades prior to 1983, Australia pursued economic policies in relation to its energy resources which could broadly be described as 'nationalist'. Governments of the day intervened in development decisions in an effort to enhance the 'national interest'. From 1983, along with the deregulation of the Australian economy as a whole, policy relating to energy resources was liberalised. Development of energy reserves henceforth occurred according to the dictates of the market. This paper argues that recent Australian energy policy initiatives reflect an increase in nationalist influences and a retreat from the liberalisation agenda that dominated energy policy making in the 1980s and 1990s. Three examples are discussed where policy has been influenced by a nationalist framework: (1) the domestic gas reservation policy in Western Australia; (2) Australian government efforts to promote a 'value adding' nuclear processing industry and (3) Australian Labor Party policy giving preferential financial incentives for gas to liquids projects. The re-emergence of nationalism in Australia is occurring either because policy makers now favour it as a path to energy security or in some cases because they believe that appeals to nationalism will generate political support.

Suggested Citation

  • Hay, James L., 2009. "Challenges to liberalism: The case of Australian energy policy," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(3), pages 142-149, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:34:y:2009:i:3:p:142-149
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    Cited by:

    1. Below, Amy, 2013. "Obstacles in energy security: An analysis of congressional and presidential framing in the United States," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 860-868.
    2. Piotr Kosowski & Katarzyna Kosowska, 2021. "Valuation of Energy Security for Natural Gas—European Example," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-19, May.
    3. Zhou, Dequn & Chong, Zhaotian & Wang, Qunwei, 2020. "What is the future policy for photovoltaic power applications in China? Lessons from the past," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C).
    4. Fox, Kenneth A. & Lefsrud, Lianne M., 2021. "The ecology of regulatory change: The security and exchange commission’s modernization of oil and gas reserves reporting," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
    5. -, 2010. "Contribution of energy services to the millennium development goals and to poverty alleviation in Latin America and the Caribbean," Documentos de Proyectos 3741, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).
    6. Xunpeng (Roc) Shi & R. Quentin Grafton, 2018. "Reforming the Eastern Australian gas market," Asia and the Pacific Policy Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 5(3), pages 641-650, September.

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