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Oil and gas training should be made a priority in the wake of the federal election, an industry group has suggested.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) claimed oil and gas training is one of several areas where the new government could provide the resources sector with the tools to experience further growth.
“[The government must] address the need for providing a skilled workforce for Australian energy developments through training and continuing access to overseas labour markets,” the organisation explained.
“To maximise investment, jobs growth and tax revenue, the new government must commit to policies that pursue more export sales, while also delivering more gas domestically to households and factories.”
Citing figures from Deloitte Access Economics, the APPEA said natural gas contributed around $30 billion to the national economy last year, with $8 billion paid in tax.
Not only this, the industry provided 100,000 jobs across the country in 2012, as well as fronting $200 billion for projects.
According to the APPEA, it is important for the new government to clarify oil and gas policy, in order to provide peace of mind for investors looking to inject more money into the economy.
“There is a growing need for a constructive and stable approach to policy development and implementation,” the organisation stated.
Among the proposals made by the national body included the formulation of a competitive tax regime that “avoids shocks and surprises” and eliminating the duplication of green and red tape across jurisdictions.
Other issues include the development of new gas supplies, which the APPEA claimed would create downward pressures on energy prices and boost energy efficiency.
Deloitte Access Economics figures suggest that the oil and gas industry will be contributing around $64.7 billion in added value to the economy a year by 2020, based on projects that are currently running or have been committed to.