Matter of Public Importance

Public Transport

Senate · Monday 30 March 2026

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

At a glance

The Australian Greens moved a matter of public importance urging the government to fund free public transport by levying a 25 per cent tax on gas exports, citing the need for cost-of-living relief and fuel security. Government senators argued that the federal response, including halving the fuel excise and releasing strategic reserves, was more effective than hypothecating gas taxes, while highlighting record infrastructure investments. Opposition and independent senators criticised the government's economic management and supported taxing gas exports to address lost revenue. The motion was defeated in a division.

Outcome

The motion was defeated in a division with 13 votes in favour and 29 against.

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 free public transport provided immediate cost-of-living relief and reduced pressure on fuel supplies during a crisis. Waters proposed funding this measure by levying a 25 per cent charge on gas exports, which could generate approximately $17 billion annually. Waters contended that fossil fuel companies were profiting excessively from global conflict while households faced financial stress. Waters also highlighted the success of the 50c fare policy in Queensland as evidence that lower fares increased public transport usage.

Government response

Lisa Darmanin (Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Local Government and Arts) ALP VIC

Darmanin stated that the government prioritised fuel security through coordinated national action, including halving the fuel excise for three months. Darmanin noted that public transport fares were a state responsibility, welcoming Victoria and Tasmania's decisions to offer free services temporarily. Darmanin emphasised that the federal government had released 20 per cent of minimum stockholding obligations and strengthened penalties for price gouging. Darmanin argued that a coordinated national approach was necessary to support households and businesses beyond what free public transport alone could achieve.

Opposition response

Susan McDonald (Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Nationals QLD

McDonald criticised the motion as economically irresponsible and poorly thought through, arguing it ignored the lack of public transport in regional areas. McDonald warned that taxing gas exports would damage relationships with key trading partners and jeopardise future energy security and investment. McDonald attributed high inflation and interest rates to the government's spending policies rather than external conflicts. McDonald advocated for reduced red tape and streamlined approvals to boost prosperity instead of expanding subsidies.

Jana Stewart (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Stewart highlighted the government's record investment of over $120 billion in roads and rail infrastructure over the next decade. Stewart argued that reforms to the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax had already ensured gas companies paid their fair share, forecasting $5.4 billion in revenue to 2028-29. Stewart stated that the government was actively managing fuel supply chains and working with international partners to shore up supplies.
Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Hodgins-May announced a Greens inquiry into the taxation of Australia's gas industry to examine corporate profits and tax contributions. Hodgins-May argued that levying a 25 per cent tax on gas exports could generate at least $17 billion annually to support households and fund free public transport. Hodgins-May contended that delaying action cost Australians nearly $50 million in lost revenue daily.
David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind support

Pocock supported the motion, arguing that Australians deserved a fair return on gas exports through a 25 per cent tax. Pocock cited Treasury data indicating that the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax yielded only $1.5 billion annually, with a significant portion derived from oil rather than gas. Pocock claimed the gas industry was engaging in propaganda to deflect from being systemic non-payers of tax.
Tammy Tyrrell (TAS) (Independent) ALP support

Tyrrell noted that Australia had foregone approximately $63 billion in revenue since 2022 due to the lack of a gas export tax. Tyrrell supported free public transport as a cost-of-living measure but emphasised that it was a state responsibility under the Constitution. Tyrrell suggested that fixing GST distribution and implementing a gas tax would provide states with the revenue needed to fund such services.
Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Faruqi criticised the government for failing to address the consequences of global conflict and for allowing fossil fuel companies to profit excessively. Faruqi argued that the extractive fossil fuel economy was failing and that a transition to renewable energy was urgently needed. Faruqi condemned the New South Wales government for rejecting calls to make public transport free.
Sarah Hanson-Young (SA) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Hanson-Young expressed disappointment that the South Australian government had not joined Victoria and Tasmania in providing free public transport. Hanson-Young argued that free transport would relieve stress on fuel supplies and help people access work and school during high petrol prices. Hanson-Young urged the federal government to provide more substantial support to Australians affected by rising costs.
David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Shoebridge argued that fossil fuel corporations were profiting from global conflict while ordinary Australians faced financial hardship. Shoebridge stated that free public transport would provide immediate relief and free up fuel for regional communities and essential workers. Shoebridge called for taxing big gas to fund public services including transport, education, and health.

Votes during this debate

Division 5: Public Transport Not passed 13–29

Opened by

Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens)

Greens

Speeches

10 speeches, 7 other contributors

Topics

Budget & Economy Cost of Living Fuel Security Gas & Resources Infrastructure & Transport Tax Trade

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.