“We are at a critical point in the climate crisis”: Australian scientists call for 25% gas export tax

70 of Australia’s leading scientists have signed an open letter calling on the Australian Government to implement a 25 per cent tax on gas exports.

The tax, suggested by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, could raise $17 billion annually, money scientists argue would help make Australia a scientific powerhouse again.

The Australian Academy of Science has warned Australia’s science system is going backwards, risking national capability, driving talent overseas and eroding global competitiveness.

Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick from the Australian National University said “we are at critical point in the climate crisis”.

“Fossil fuels are the root cause of the literal hot mess we are in – it makes complete sense to tax them and place this money back into climate and adaptation science, so that we are far better equipped for the long road ahead,” Professor Perkins-Kirkpatrick said.

The open letter, which was also signed by Professor Fiona Stanley from The University of Western Australia and Professor Penny Sackett, former Chief Scientist of Australia, argues “Australia’s gas exports make climate change worse.”

“They damage our environment and present risks to agriculture and the economy. There are better, cheaper, cleaner alternatives to most uses of gas,” the open letter read.

“We call on the Australian Government to implement a 25% tax on gas exports to properly fund infrastructure and public services essential to Australia’s wellbeing, including scientific research and protecting our environment.”

Principal Advisor at The Australia Institute, Mark Ogge, said the government was playing “hunger games” with science funding, making the point that almost all of the increases in science funding came from cuts elsewhere.

“If the Australian Government imposes a 25% tax on the foreign owned corporations exporting our gas Australia could become scientific powerhouse again and still have plenty of revenue to boost funding to health, education, and housing,” Mr Ogge said.

“We used to talk about Australia punching above its weight on scientific research. Our scientists invented WI-FI, the Cochlear implant, a vaccine for cervical cancer and vital contributions climate science and solar PV helping to transform the world’s energy system.

“But since 2008, Australia’s expenditure on research and development as a percentage of GDP is declining, while in other countries it has steadily increased.

“The Australian Government is playing hunger games with science funding, almost all of the increases in science funding in the last budget came from cuts elsewhere.”