Matter of Public Importance

Gas Industry: Taxation

Senate · Monday 22 June 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 impose a moratorium on meetings with gas industry representatives, revoke their parliamentary passes, and disclose all such meetings from the previous year. The motion aimed to address concerns over the influence of the gas lobby on government policy regarding the taxation of gas exports. Government and opposition members strongly opposed the motion, arguing that banning industry engagement was undemocratic and harmful to energy security and policy development. Crossbench members expressed mixed views, with some supporting greater transparency but opposing a total ban, while others reiterated calls for higher gas taxes. The debate concluded without a vote on the motion.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens

Hodgins-May argued that the gas industry had undue influence over the government, citing evidence of close contact between ministers and lobbyists. The senator contended that the current tax regime allowed multinational corporations to retain billions in profits while providing little benefit to the Australian public. Hodgins-May called for a ban on gas lobbyists in Parliament and the immediate disclosure of ministerial diaries to ensure transparency. The senator asserted that the government was failing to act on public demand for a fair return on publicly owned resources.

Government response

Ellie Whiteaker (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Whiteaker defended the government's record, stating that oil and gas companies paid nearly $12 billion in tax in the 2023-24 financial year. The senator highlighted recent reforms to the petroleum resource rent tax and the introduction of a gas reservation scheme to ensure domestic supply. Whiteaker argued that the Greens' motion was a social media stunt rather than serious policy and noted that the government had already implemented new transparency measures for Parliament House access. The senator emphasised that engaging with industry stakeholders is essential for developing effective policy.

Opposition response

Susan McDonald (QLD) (National Party) Nationals

McDonald criticised the motion as an attempt to stop democratic engagement and block a sector from participating in public policy discussions. The senator argued that Labor's interventions had destabilised the gas market and harmed domestic producers, particularly in Victoria and New South Wales. McDonald cited concerns from international observers about the impact of proposed gas taxes on investment and energy security. The senator contended that the Greens were driven by an anti-fossil fuel agenda rather than genuine policy concerns.

David Pocock (ACT) (Independent) Ind mixed

Pocock welcomed recent government commitments to increase transparency regarding who has access to Parliament. The senator argued that while lobbying is necessary for policy development, a blanket ban on industry engagement was not the appropriate solution. Pocock called for the implementation of a 25 per cent gas export tax to address concerns about fair returns for Australians.
Varun Ghosh (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP oppose

Ghosh described the motion as undemocratic and dangerous, arguing that excluding stakeholders from policy discussions undermines good governance. The senator emphasised the importance of the gas industry for energy security, economic stability, and the transition to net zero. Ghosh stated that listening to industry representatives is crucial for designing effective energy policies.
Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Faruqi argued that fossil fuel money unduly influences political decisions through donations and revolving door appointments. The senator contended that the government was prioritising corporate profits over public needs such as healthcare and housing. Faruqi called for a ban on fossil fuel donations and stricter controls on industry access to Parliament.
Tyron Whitten (WA) (Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) One Nation oppose

Whitten criticised the motion as authoritarian and contrary to democratic principles of consultation. The senator stated that One Nation supports a strong oil and gas industry that provides energy security and jobs for Australians. Whitten emphasised the importance of listening to industry experts and stakeholders when developing resource policies.
Peter Whish-Wilson (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Whish-Wilson characterised the relationship between the government and the gas industry as cronyism and institutional corruption. The senator argued that the government was failing to secure a fair return for publicly owned resources while cutting funding to vulnerable sectors. Whish-Wilson called for holding corporations accountable for their tax contributions and environmental impact.
David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Shoebridge argued that multinational gas corporations were profiting excessively from Australian resources without providing adequate returns to the public. The senator cited the government's refusal to implement a 25 per cent gas export tax as evidence of undue industry influence. Shoebridge called for an end to the perceived protection racket run by the government for the gas industry.

Votes during this debate

Division 6: Gas Industry: Taxation Not passed 10–30

Opened by

Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens)

Greens

Speeches

10 speeches, 6 other contributors

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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.