Last week, Healthy Futures proudly submitted our formal response to the Victorian Government’s Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on Building Electrification. This marks a crucial step towards creating a healthier, climate-safe future, a future free from the harmful health impacts of burning fossil gas in our homes and workplaces.
Why Electrification Matters for Health
Gas appliances have long been marketed as “clean and efficient”, but the science tells a different story. Burning gas in homes releases toxic pollutants like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide, benzene and fine particulate matter, pollutants that are linked to serious health conditions such as:
- Childhood asthma: Cooking with gas increases the risk of childhood asthma by approximately 30%, comparable to the impact of second-hand cigarette smoke.
- Cancer risks: Gas cooktops release benzene, a known carcinogen linked to leukaemia.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Faulty or poorly ventilated gas heaters pose a significant risk of chronic illness and emergency visits.
- Climate-related health risks: Gas appliances contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating heatwaves, bushfires and other extreme weather events that impact vulnerable populations.
- Cardiovascular disease: Fine particulate matter from gas combustion increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
These health risks disproportionately affect renters, low-income households and those living in social housing, groups who are least able to afford upgrades or switch to electric alternatives on their own.
Healthy Futures’ Recommendation: A Full Transition Away from Gas
The Victorian Government has proposed four options in building electrification. Along with many health and environmental organisations, Healthy Futures strongly supports Option 2, which fully phases out gas from all new and existing residential buildings and new commercial buildings (excluding existing commercial kitchens).
Why We Support Option 2
- Stronger Climate Action: Aligns with Victoria’s net-zero emissions target by 2045 and significantly reduces fossil gas consumption.
- Health Benefits: Eliminates indoor air pollution from gas appliances, reducing asthma, cancer risks and heart disease.
- Lower Costs Over Time: All-electric homes lower household energy bills, delivering long-term cost savings for families and businesses.
- Equity & Accessibility: Ensures all Victorians, including renters and social housing residents, benefit from electrification.
- Practical Transition: Gradual phase-out of gas appliances at the end of their life spans, minimising disruption and costs.
Addressing Inequities in the Transition
Electrification must leave no one behind. That’s why we’re calling on the Victorian Government to:
- Prioritise social housing retrofits to ensure tenants aren’t left with outdated, polluting appliances.
- Provide financial support for renters and low-income households to switch to clean, affordable electric alternatives.
- Fund community education campaigns to help Victorians understand the health and financial benefits of electrification.
Without targeted support, vulnerable households could be left behind as wealthier communities make the switch to electric appliances, exacerbating inequality and locking disadvantaged groups into rising gas costs.
The Power of Collective Action
We’re incredibly proud that so many healthcare workers, students and community members made their own submissions alongside us, amplifying the call for strong electrification policies.
Together with organisations like Environment Victoria, Friends of the Earth and many others, we’ve sent a clear message: public health must come first.
What’s Next?
The Victorian Government is now reviewing submissions before making a final decision. This is a critical moment, and we’ll keep the pressure on to ensure health, equity and climate action remain at the forefront of new regulations.
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Thank you to everyone who took action. Together, we are building a future where all Victorians can breathe cleaner air, lower their energy bills and live in safer, healthier homes.