Speak up and make sure decision-makers hear from ordinary Australians, not just cashed up gas lobbyists.
Massive gas corporations are making billions from exporting our gas overseas. The gas they sell belongs to Australians, and yet these corporations pay almost nothing for it.
In a time of global conflict and instability where people are struggling to pay the bills, the gas corporations’ free ride needs to end – and that means taxing them properly.
If a 25% gas export levy had been introduced in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it would have already raised $63.8 billion, which could have funded a range of important public services for years, like our health system, schools and transport.
Ahead of the May Budget, the Albanese government is considering a new tax on gas exports.
The industry will be fighting it hard and spreading fear, so it’s time to speak up and make sure decision-makers hear from ordinary Australians, not just cashed up gas lobbyists.
Remember to always be polite and thank the person you are speaking to for their time.
Introduce yourself: Share your name, and anything else about yourself that you think is relevant, particularly how you’re experiencing cost of living pressures in this moment, if or how you’ve felt the impact of global heating, your occupation etc.
Context: I’ve heard that the government is seeking advice from the Department of Treasury on how to properly tax gas exports in the May budget, particularly as gas corporations are making enormous profits off the back of the devastating war in Iran.
Ask: I support the ‘Renew Australia for All’ alliance, which is calling for a 25% gas export levy. This measure could generate billions in revenue for critical public services like our health system, schools, and transport.
It could also fund clean energy solutions that benefit everyone, including the creation of good jobs, and support communities to prepare for and respond to climate disasters.
We should not be giving our resources to huge gas corporations for free, instead we should be properly taxing them, like they do in countries such as Norway.
I’m encouraged to see the government considering this, and hopeful to see it enacted before or as part of the May budget.
Thanks for your time.