Hundreds packed Warriewood Community Centre last night to ask one question: why do multinational gas exporters pay so little for a resource Australians own?
Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps hosted the "Tax Our Gas Exports" community forum on Wednesday 23 September. Independent ACT Senator David Pocock and Surfers for Climate CEO Josh Kirkman joined her on the panel.
The panel and audience Q&A covered how the Australian Government taxes gas exports and why the current system doesn't give the public a fair return. They also looked at how reform could fund essential services and ease cost-of-living pressure.
A gap in the pipeline
The numbers speak for themselves. In 2024-25, the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax raised about $1.3 billion, while Australia's LNG export revenue topped $65 billion.
Modelling by The Australia Institute estimates a flat 25 per cent tax on gas exports could raise around $17 billion a year. Its polling also shows strong local backing: 75 per cent of Mackellar voters support the tax.
Dr Scamps and Senator Pocock called for a straightforward 25 per cent export tax. They also said they were open to other reforms that make sure Australians get a fair return from resources they own together.
"Australians own these gas resources. When multinational companies make billions exporting them overseas, it is only fair that Australians receive a proper return," Dr Scamps said.
"At a time when families are under real cost-of-living pressure, a fair gas export tax could raise billions for the hospitals, healthcare, schools, childcare and infrastructure our communities rely on.
"Three in four people in Mackellar support a 25 per cent tax on gas exports. This is not a left or right issue; it is a question of fairness and whether Australia is prepared to secure a better deal from resources that belong to all of us."
Dudded at the dock
Senator Pocock was blunt.
"Australians are being dudded. Multinational gas companies are shipping out gas that belongs to all of us and paying next to nothing for it. Both major parties, government after government, has let this go on for far too long," he said.
"A 25 per cent gas export tax would raise around $17 billion a year. Money that should be building things here, paying down our $1 trillion of debt and building our future.
"If the government can't bring itself to legislate an export tax, the least it can do is bring in a windfall profits tax to make sure we stop missing out while international gas prices remain high."
Failing the pub test
For Josh Kirkman, the issue matters to the coast.
"The current deal does not pass the pub test. Local tradies, families and small businesses pay their fair share, and multinational gas companies should too," he said.
"Coastal communities understand that our natural assets are precious and finite. If companies profit from exporting Australia's gas, the public deserves a proper return that helps build a stronger and more resilient future.
"Tonight is about cutting through the spin and giving the community a clear account of how gas is taxed, what reform could deliver, and why this conversation matters to household budgets and our climate."
Gas by the numbers
$65 billion+ Australia's LNG export revenue, 2024-25
$1.3 billion Raised by the Petroleum Resource Rent Tax, 2024-25
$17 billion Estimated yearly revenue from a flat 25 per cent export tax
75 per cent Mackellar voters who support a 25 per cent gas export tax
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