MELBOURNE — Victoria's Liberal-National opposition has pledged to immediately scrap the Labor government's ban on gas appliances if it wins the upcoming state election, arguing the policy is driving up housing costs and energy bills while removing consumer choice.

Opposition leader Jess Wilson announced that a Coalition government would reverse the restrictions within its first 100 days in office. The current rules require all new homes and most commercial buildings to be all-electric from 1 January 2027. From 1 March 2027, domestic hot water systems that need replacing must be switched to electric units, although gas stoves and heating systems can still be replaced with gas equivalents.

"Victorians should decide how they cook their meals, heat their homes and run their businesses – and under a Liberal and Nationals Government, they will," Wilson said. The opposition claims the ban is already adding up to $15,000 to the cost of building a new home. Simonds Group chief executive Rhett Simonds supported the pledge, stating that moving to all-electric construction could increase new-home costs by that amount. "We should be removing barriers to home ownership, not adding them," he said. "Families should be able to choose gas or electricity based on their needs, their preferences and their budget."

Modelling commissioned by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group suggests households currently paying a $608 annual........

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