PM makes it clear - gas is critical to Australia's future

Mr Morrison has signalled a greater Federal Government push on states like Victoria and NSW to drop their moratorium on onshore gas exploration, as the NT has done.

The Prime Minister believes gas is the "transition fuel" between coal and renewable energy.

He made the comments during a speech at the National Press Club yesterday where he said gas was key to Australia's response to climate change.

"Central to this agenda is getting access to our domestic gas supplies. We need to get the gas from under our feet.

"There is no credible energy transition plan for an economy like Australia in particular, that does not involve the greater use of gas as an important transition fuel.

"There are plenty of other medium to longer term alternative fuel arrangements and prospects, but they will not be commercially scalable and available for at least a decade, is our advice.

"Gas has a critical role to play as a backstop to our record investment in renewable energy generation. It helps ensure we can keep the lights on when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining."

Critics have already attacked the PM's speech for failing to understand the burning of more fossil fuels was not in the national or global interest.

Energy companies are currently in exploration mode in the NT testing for the vast reservoirs of shale gas said to lie in the Beetaloo.