Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, has added his voice to calls for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports.
Wed 25 Feb 2026 10.00
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
Independent Senator for the ACT, David Pocock, has added his voice to calls for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports.
The idea, suggested by the Australian Council of Trade Unions last year, could raise 17 billion dollars a year in revenue according to analysis by the Australia Institute.
“We’re in this ridiculous situation where as one of the biggest gas exporters in the world, we have the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax collecting less revenue than beer tax,” Senator Pocock said.
“This needs to change, and it needs to change with a 25 per cent tax on gas exports.”
When asked about Senator Pocock’s comments on Australians paying more tax on beer than mining companies were paying for the country’s resources, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese replied by saying Senator Pocock is “someone who seeks to promote grievance”.
In response, Senator Pocock said that “when some politicians don’t want to debate a policy, they just get personal.”
“Why aren’t major party politicians more aggrieved that we’re giving away so much of our gas for free?” Senator Pocock asked in a social media post.
Polling by RedBridge shows there is support across party lines for a 25 per cent tax on gas exports, including strong support from One Nation and Greens voters.
It also showed that One Nation voters were more likely than the Greens to agree that Australia exports too much gas.
“This polling shows that Australians from all walks of life and across the political spectrum believe the country is not receiving a fair deal from the gas export industry,” said Dr Richard Denniss, co-CEO of the Australia Institute.
“There is clear and overwhelming support for action.”
The calls for a higher tax rate on gas companies has also been echoed by Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz, who urged the Australian Government “follow the money” and start imposing a “a very, very high tax rate” on the country’s natural resources.
“Get the highest value from whoever can extract your resources,” Professor Stiglitz said.
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