“Voters get that they’re being ripped off by multinational gas companies, and now they know that their Prime Minister is OK with that. I think it is optimistic for the Albanese Government, and the gas industry, to think this issue will blow over,” said Dr Denniss.
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Independent Senator David Pocock, who has been a prominent backer of the policy, told ABC Radio the decision was “disappointing” given the groundswell of public support.
“This is just the start of this campaign. We’re going to see more and more Australians angry with the capture of the major parties by vested interests,” he said.
While West Australian Premier Roger Cook said he thinks a new tax on gas exports would be “bad for WA”, it appears many of his constituents disagree.
The Australia Institute polling found two in three WA voters (68 per cent) support a tax on gas exports, while more than half do not believe collecting more revenue from gas companies would be bad for the state.
“Despite companies making billions of dollars from our natural resources, West Australians are wearing the costs. High energy prices, fossil fuel-driven climate change and climate disasters; we’re all poorer because of the gas industry,” said Mr Roberts.
Last week, a Senate inquiry heard evidence over three public hearings, with environmental, community and advocacy groups appearing, alongside LNG heavyweights Woodside Energy, Shell, Chevron and INPEX.
The sector consistently argued that higher taxes would risk undermining energy security and future supply, particularly amid global instability and rising demand.
“We made our submission to the gas tax inquiry just last Friday, yet just days later, the Prime Minister is here in town eating bacon and eggs with the fossil fuel lobby, giving them the green light, while the clear majority of Australians are ignored,” said Mr Roberts.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will arrive in Australia on Friday to discuss the evolving global energy crisis.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mr Albanese said he was staking his personal reputation on the country’s relationship with its Asian neighbours.
“Australia is a reliable supplier of energy. That’s what we do, that’s our reputation,” he said.
“That’s my reputation as well, as prime minister, and I have good relationships with all of our partners.”
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