Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Taxation: Gas Industry

Senate · Thursday 14 May 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Penny Allman-Payne moved that the Senate take note of answers regarding gas industry taxation. She criticised the government for failing to tax gas exports and instead preserving tax benefits for corporations and property investors. The senator argued that the budget contained significant cuts to climate initiatives, disability supports, and aged care, while providing no increases to income support payments. She contended that the government prioritised corporate interests over essential community services. The motion was agreed to by the Senate.

Outcome

The question was 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

Penny Allman-Payne (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens

Allman-Payne argued that the budget failed to require large corporations and wealthy individuals to pay their fair share through gas export taxes. Allman-Payne stated that the government maintained 95 per cent of tax perks for property investors and provided only a minimal weekly offset for working Australians. The senator highlighted substantial reductions in funding for climate transition, electric vehicles, and renewable energy manufacturing. Allman-Payne noted the absence of new homecare packages despite a waiting list exceeding 200,000 people and an average wait time of one year. Allman-Payne also pointed out that income support payments such as JobSeeker and the age pension received no increases.