The Australian federal government announced five new offshore gas exploration zones in the Otway basin, from Victoria’s south-west coast to west of Tasmania. Resources Minister Madeleine King said this will help control gas prices and prevent shortages expected by the decade's end. "Exploration and new discoveries will play an important role in underpinning our energy needs and support Australian industry and households as we meet our net zero commitments," King said. However, environmental groups strongly oppose the move. The Australian Greens called it an "environmental betrayal". Greens spokesperson Steph Hodgins-May said it was "an early Christmas gift to the fossil fuel companies driving the climate crisis." Oceans spokesperson Peter Whish-Wilson questioned how opening new gas fields fits with clean energy goals. Fern Cadman from the Wilderness Society described the chosen areas as "wholly unsuitable" for gas exploration and criticized the government for allowing new gas drilling amid climate challenges. King assured the five new zones have buffer zones to protect marine parks. Public consultation is open until 6 February, with exploration permit applications closing by 30 June. The announcement follows the Victorian government’s recent tenders for gas exploration in nearby basins. Meanwhile, the Albanese government is reviewing the east coast gas market, expected to propose gas reservation schemes and possibly bulk-buying gas to sell at lower rates to aid manufacturers. Ahead of this, a coalition of nine environmental, inequality, and clean energy groups opposed new taxpayer subsidies for gas firms. They support a 25% tax on gas exports to control prices and reduce gas company profits. Kellie Caught from the Australian Council of Social Service said, "Australia’s focus on gas exports has tripled domestic gas and electricity prices driving up inflation and household bills." She added, "The government must implement gas export market controls and avoid options that effectively subsidise gas companies or incentivise new polluting gas production. It’s time for this government to prioritise people over rich gas companies."