Labor agrees to support new gas projects after public brawl sparked by Joel Fitzgibbon

Party has signed off on document acknowledging role gas plays in economic growth, job creation and electricity generation

A public battle between Anthony Albanese, Mark Butler and Joel Fitzgibbon over Labor’s language regarding gas has triggered a process whereby the ALP has agreed to support new gas projects, subject to environmental approvals and reaching net zero emissions by 2050.

The brawl was triggered when the shadow resources minister, Joel Fitzgibbon, publicly endorsed the taxpayer underwriting of new gas infrastructure championed by one of Scott Morrison’s most influential business advisers, Nev Power, before seeing any of the specifics.

Related: Unions urge ALP to accept need for gas and back blue collar workers or face losing next election

Related: NSW environment minister urges end to 'pointless, backward-looking arguments' about climate action