ACOSS welcomes the support of a 25 per cent gas export levy from Andrew Hastie MP and urges parliamentarians from all sides to work together to deliver this long-overdue reform.
"People on low and modest incomes are already doing it tough. They're facing the potential of further rises in fuel, energy bills, rents, and intense cost-of-living pressures driven by economic uncertainty as a result of global conflict. They're desperate and terrified that things are only going to get worse," said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
"Meanwhile, multi-national gas corporations continue to make enormous profits from exporting our natural resources while paying little tax. Australia and Qatar exported similar volumes of LNG in 2023 and Qatar saw $56 billion in tax revenue compared to Australia's $11 billion. More and more people can see that big gas corporations are taking Australia for a ride.
"ACOSS is encouraged by reports that the Federal Government is considering putting the needs of people above gas companies who are further profiting from war. We are heartened to see politicians from all sides of parliament, including Mr Hastie, joining calls for this common sense reform.
"We need a 25 per cent levy on gas exports, not a temporary windfall profit tax, to guarantee fair public returns now and into the future. It would generate up to $17 billion per year to invest in energy affordability and renewables, adequate income support payments, housing and community services. It's time for gas companies to pay their fair share and use the funds to help the people doing it toughest.
"We urge all parliamentarians to listen to the people of Australia and back a 25% levy on gas exports."
