Everyone is aware of how simple it is for the Albanese government to operate in Parliament. It has an easy Senate, a sizable majority in the lower house, and a disorganized opposition.
It is less well known that several important prospective critics outside of Parliament are likewise at a low point, and it is not simply traditional media critics who can no longer affect elections.
Additionally, the lobbies for gas and mining have generally been weak.
Given the Albanese government's propensity to comply with requests from the resource sector, such as approving Woodside's carbon-bomb gas export projects, delaying environmental law reform for the mining sector, or taking minimal action to halt the "great gas giveaway," this may not seem apparent.
However, Anthony Albanese and his ministers' personal preferences are more to blame for the government's deference to the resource lobbies than the lobbies' actual influence.
The days of the mining industry's mythical or actual claims to overthrow governments and prime ministers in 2010 are long gone. It can rarely arrange a gathering in a conference center these days.
Australia's inaugural Energy and Minerals Tax Conference was held last week by the Minerals Council of Australia and the gas group Australian Energy Producers.
To "emphasize the considerable economic and tax contribution of the natural gas and mineral resources sectors," two of the most influential business associations in the nation joined forces.
Why did the government, opposition, and media need to be called to a three-day meeting to discuss their tax payments?
due to the public's awareness of their large subsidies and low tax payments.
According to polls, Australians prefer higher taxes on the resource sector, especially on gas.
The fact that Australian nurses pay more taxes than the gas sector is becoming apparent to voters. Teachers do the same.
Mining company taxes account for only three cents of every dollar collected by the government. This year, fossil fuel subsidies totaled $15 billion, surpassing the amount spent on the Army and the Air Force.
What took place during the Energy and Minerals Tax Conference, then?
Since there has been absolutely no media coverage of it as of this writing, we are unsure.
Because there were no well-known figures present, there was no media attention. Bill Evans, drumroll, gave the keynote speech. It was not even the well-known Bill Evans.
The PM and the head of the opposition would have attended such a summit in 2010.
However, the Prime Minister did not go in 2025. The Resources Minister, the Treasurer, and the Deputy PM did not either. They were reluctant to go because they did not want to be perceived as stating that "gas corporations not paying tax is perfectly OK."
Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh, whose 2500-word speech omitted the terms "gas" and "tax," was given this unwelcome responsibility instead. Yes, the government representative did not mention the terms "gas" or "tax" during a tax conference for the gas industry.
The opposition, which sent a shadow minister for trade, investment, and tourism, did not do any better. You can not even name him, I wager.
The CEO of the Minerals Council dispatched her deputy to speak at the conference because it was so lively.
In conclusion, no one attended the party hosted by Australia's two most influential lobby groups.
There are more examples of the mining and gas industries' vulnerability.
Take a look at what transpired when the Queensland government, led by Stephen Miles of Labor, altered the state's coal royalty system in order to generate billions of additional public funds.
Queensland would "rue the day" the mining industry was crossed, according to the coal industry, which cried out "blue murder."
The royalty system is still in place three years later, and the rather new LNP administration has no intention of changing it. The NSW Minerals Council hardly said anything when NSW increased coal royalties in 2024.
The gas sector is aware that it is in a similar situation. Everyone at the federal election, including the ACTU and Peter Dutton, concurred that uncontrolled gas exports have turned into a national issue. Damage control is in place for the gas business.
To put it mildly, this is a chance.
The time to limit gas exports is now.
Strong environmental regulations that prevent the construction of new coal and gas mines are urgently needed.
In order to guarantee that Australians profit from the sale of their resources, it is now necessary to correct the tax and royalties systems.
All we need is a government with the strength and bravery.
0 Comments