Labor's adoption of the Australian Energy Producers-supported gas reservation policy as Australian government policy is yet another capitulation to the gas lobby.
National momentum for a 25% tax on gas exports is surging, with rallies planned around the country this Friday to tax gas not beer.
Evidence presented to the select committee investigating a 25% gas export tax, including evidence from the Department of Treasury, comprehensively refuted the gas lobby's claim that an export tax would threaten trade relationships.
As put by Greens chair of the Gas Select Committee, Senator Steph Hodgins-May
"This policy was written to protect gas corporate profits and Labor has just adopted it as government policy. It will raise no revenue and prolong the great Australian rip off," said Senator Steph Hodgins-May on Thursday.
"The gas corporations get to keep their obscene wartime profits while Australians will see services like the NDIS slashed in the budget when the government cries poor.
"Announcing this policy just before the gas export tax committee report is released, as if people aren't smart enough to know a distraction tactic when they see one, proves Labor is running a protection racket for gas corporations.
"The campaign for a 25% tax on gas exports is just getting started, as support for this policy continues to grow. More than 60% of Australians support a tax on gas exports. The Prime Minister's prevarication has nothing to do with protecting trade relationships and everything to do with protecting his fossil fuel donors' profit margins.
"While Australians are getting smashed by interest rate rises and cuts to services in the budget, the Albanese government has made it clear that their priority is protecting corporate profits, not people. And they'll have to explain that decision next week.
