Dan Andrews accused of hypocrisy as photo resurfaces amid ban on new homes to have gas hookups

Victoria’s Prime Minister Dan Andrews has been accused of hypocrisy just days after announcing a total ban on natural gas in new homes.

MP for Mornington Chris Crewther shared a photo of Mr Andrews cooking a vegetarian patty on a gas stove during a Covid lockdown in April 2020.

The photo appears to have been taken at Mr. Andrews’ home.

“I agree with what Dan does: gas cooking. It’s much better!’ said the Liberal MP.

“But I don’t agree with what Dan says: ban gas cooking in new homes from next year. The future cooking quality is going downhill!’

Angry Victorians quickly flooded the commentary with criticism of the gas ban, which will see all new homes connected to electricity only from January 1, 2024.

One person compared Mr Andrew’s leadership to a “dictatorship” that could now control how residents cooked their food.

“Homeowners should have the choice of gas or electricity,” said another.

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews announced last week that his state would ban the use of natural gas in all new build homes and housing subdivisions from January 1, 2024.

How on earth is it possible for this to happen. The Australian national anthem, we’re young and free…why?’ added a second.

“We no longer have a choice, it has been taken from us. Living in Australia will soon be like living in bloody North Korea.”

A third shared: ‘The last major power outage we had we were still able to have hot showers, boil water and cook food because we have gas.

“Still, friends and family all have electric homes and had nothing.”

The Victorian Government announced last week that all new homes and subdivisions requiring planning permission will be electrically powered from 1 January.

Great friends Daniel Andrews (right) and Anthony Albanese (left) lit some loins when the pair met in Melbourne in November 2021 using a gas barbecue

The changes will help the state reach its goal of net zero emissions by 2045, Energy Secretary Lily D’Ambrosio said Friday.

Residents of all-electric homes also save $1,000 a year on their energy bills.

“We know that the cost of living for Victorians is getting higher and higher,” said Ms D’Ambrosio.

‘Doing something about it, that’s what today is about.’

Changes to Victorian planning provisions and schedules will allow for the new measures.

About 80 percent of Victorian homes are connected to gas, with the industry contributing about 17 percent of the state’s emissions.

A new $10 million residential electrification grant program will be established, allowing homebuilders and developers to offer bulk discounts on solar energy products to new homebuyers.

The government is also updating its gas replacement roadmap, which will be released later this year.

Energy and Resources Secretary Lily D’Ambrosio (pictured) said residents would save on skyrocketing gas bills by switching to electricity

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association criticized the ban, saying the government should introduce renewable gas such as hydrogen into the system instead.

“Preventing new homes from being connected to gas now will not reduce emissions, reduce costs and cut people off from the opportunities of the future,” said CEO Steve Davies.

But other groups support the changes, with Environment Victoria describing it as an essential step towards ending the state’s gas addiction.

The Clean Energy Council said electric homes are more efficient, better for the environment and cheaper to run, but Victoria’s push shouldn’t stop at new construction.

“All Victorian households and businesses will eventually need to switch from gas to renewable electricity,” said director Anna Freeman.

“The updated gas replacement roadmap should set out a clear strategy to manage this transition in an orderly but accelerated manner.”

Master Builders Victoria also welcomed the shift away from gas, but said it was important that consumers had the freedom to make informed choices.

“State and federal governments must continue to work with industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive policies that address the diverse energy needs of different consumers and building types,” said Michaela Lihou, CEO of the company.

All-electric homes also improve residents’ health outcomes because gas stoves expose people to respiratory irritants, according to the Royal Australian College of GPs.

Victoria isn’t the first jurisdiction to take action on gas, with the ACT to ban connections in new suburbs or infill projects by the end of the year.

Construction industry groups including Frasers Property Australia and Cbus Property have also committed to phasing out gas hobs.

The Victorian Greens welcomed the government’s changes but said the state was falling short by approving new gas drilling projects.

Shadow treasurer Brad Rowswell said gas was an important part of Victoria’s energy mix and the government was rushing the ban.

Radio broadcaster Kyle Sandilands (pictured) has rejected the proposal, saying the government was treating residents as if they were ‘idiots’

Radio broadcaster Kyle Sandilands denounced the proposal last week, saying the government was treating Victorians as if they were ‘idiots’.

“I’m tired of everyone thinking we’re idiots. These laws are for idiots. Losers do this job,” he said Friday.

“They’re going to ban Bic lighters soon, we’re going to rub two sticks together to light a cigarette.”

But Energy Efficiency Council CEO Luke Menzel has approved the move.

“All electric houses are good for Victorian families. They are cheaper to run, healthier to live in and help reduce emissions,” he said.

“Since the initial cost of building an all-electric house is similar to building one with a gas connection, it’s a good idea to go all-electric.”