Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Gas Industry: Taxation, Middle East

Senate · Monday 23 March 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Australian Greens moved a motion to take note of answers given by the Minister representing the Prime Minister regarding gas taxation and racial discrimination. Senator Waters criticised the government for rejecting a proposed gas export tax, arguing it would have provided significant revenue for cost-of-living relief. Senator Faruqi condemned the Prime Minister's statements on racial discrimination for failing to explicitly name racism or address Islamophobia, and called for funding of the national antiracism framework. The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Outcome

Question agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

Waters argued that the government had rejected a proposal for a 25 per cent gas export tax, which would have generated approximately $17 billion. Waters contended that this revenue might have delivered instant help with living expenses, including free public transport, rather than allowing corporations to profit from high fuel prices. Waters stated that polling indicated 61 per cent of Australians supported taxing export gas. Waters criticised the government for prioritising corporate interests over families facing financial pressure from fuel costs and interest rates.