Why We’re Campaigning for Gas-Free, Healthy Homes in NSW
Gas is polluting our homes, harming our health, and driving climate change. In NSW, we’re calling on the government to end new gas connections and support households to transition to healthier, renewable-powered homes.
The problem with gas
Around 70% of Australian homes use gas. In NSW, gas is still common for cooking, heating and hot water, and it’s often misleadingly branded as “natural” and “clean”. In reality, gas is a fossil fuel that releases harmful pollution into our homes and dangerous emissions into the atmosphere.
Gas appliances – especially cooktops and heaters – produce nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and fine particles. These pollutants can trigger and worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Gas stove use is linked to around 12% of childhood asthma cases in Australia, similar to the risk from secondhand smoke.
Switching from gas to clean electricity is better for our health, better for the climate and, as renewables expand, better for household budgets in the long run.
The solution
The good news is we already have the solutions. Modern electric appliances – like induction cooktops, electric heat pumps and solar hot water – are safe, efficient and increasingly affordable. Paired with rooftop solar and battery storage, they can power homes cleanly and cheaply.
But the transition must be fair. While some homeowners can make these changes now, the NSW Government must ensure that all households – including renters and people on low incomes – can move away from gas easily and affordably.
What needs to happen
The NSW Government has committed to net zero, yet gas is still being installed in new homes, schools and public buildings. This locks communities into decades of expensive, polluting infrastructure.
We are calling on the NSW Government to:
- Stop new gas connections in homes and residential developments.
- Support a fair, funded transition to all-electric homes, with a focus on renters and households under financial stress.
- Educate the public about the health and climate risks of gas.
- Phase out gas in public buildings such as schools and hospitals.
What we’re doing
Healthy Futures is working with health professionals across NSW to:
- Collect signatures on our open letter to the Premier.
- Engage decision-makers and present the latest health evidence on gas.
- Support health workers to speak out through op-eds, videos, events and community forums.
- Push for strong policy that protects community health and the climate.
What you can do
If you live in NSW, sign our open letter to the Premier calling for a rapid transition away from gas in homes.
Support the campaign
Your donation helps us run strong advocacy campaigns, mobilise the healthcare community and push the NSW Government to put health first.
Together, we can build a future of gas-free, healthy homes across NSW.
Key organisational signatories
These organisations are standing with us to call for gas-free, healthy homes across NSW:
