Last updated on 28/07/2023

 

Asthma Australia is applauding the Victorian Government in its landmark decision to go electric and ban gas connections in new homes applying for planning permits from 1 January 2024; and any new social housing or government buildings that aren’t already in the design stage, including hospitals, effective immediately.  

Asthma is an inflammatory condition of the airways that affects 2.7 million Australians. Gas cooktops are estimated to contribute 12% of the childhood asthma burden. Asthma is the number one health condition affecting Australian kids, making Australia a leader in asthma prevalence across the OECD . 

CEO of Asthma Australia Michele Goldman said the announcement is a monumental step towards reducing the harmful health impacts of household gas appliances on families, as well as a critical move in reducing carbon emissions.   

“Children are 1.3 times more likely to develop asthma in a home with a gas cooktop due to emissions.  That is comparable to the risk of tobacco smoking in the home.  

“This announcement by the Victorian Government will mean families who move into new homes will have a healthier environment, less risk of asthma, lower greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy bills, it’s a big win,” Ms Goldman said.  

In the announcement led by Victorian Minister Lily D’Ambrosio MP, Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources and for State Electricity Commission, the government stated that around 80 per cent of gas is residential and that gas represents 17 per cent of the state’s emissions. 

Ms Goldman said she hoped for a domino effect to phase out gas across Australia. 

“We aim for all Australian homes to be healthy and as we aim for net zero emissions, that must mean no new gas and transitioning towards electrification wherever this is possible,” Ms Goldman said.  

“That includes a call on the Victorian government to also prohibit the installation of wood heaters in new homes,” she added. 

Asthma Australia has been a firm advocate for the phasing out of gas usage in Australian homes due to its link with asthma.  

Gas cooktops increase nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the home and can cause new cases of asthma.   

To read Asthma Australia’s position on gas and for more information on its link with asthma, please click here.

For interviews with CEO Michele Goldman contact: 

Teresa Vella e. tvella@asthma.org.au mob. 0403 895 144