Explainer

The case for a gas export tax, explained

When gas prices spike upwards, the Saudis, Qataris and Norwegians feel rich, making a fortune from their exports. But in Australia, Australians pay more for our own energy instead, while Australian governments give away most exported gas for free. No royalties paid, no PRRT.

Opinion

Australians are fed up with our governments giving our gas resources away for free

If you drink beer, congratulations, you’re the backbone of the Australian economy! After all, that’s how politicians and the media describe the gas industry.

Petition

Tax the gas industry its fair share

Gas export companies are reaping billions from Australian resources while paying little or no tax.

Petition

Scrap the Capital Gains Tax Discount

The capital gains tax discount has made housing unaffordable, increased inequality, distorted lending, and is reducing investment and productivity. It should be scrapped in the 2026 Budget.

On Sale Now

A Time for Bravery
What happens when Australia chooses courage?

This book brings together advocates, politicians, campaigners, medical doctors, academics and a firefighter each with their answer to the question: what does bravery look like in Australia and how might it reshape our future for the better.

On Sale Now

Vantage Point Issue 4
What We Owe the Water

From the flood-soaked streets of Lismore to the rising waters in the Pacific, the effects of climate change are here.

Parliament House

The Australia Institute is one of the country’s most influential public policy think tanks. Based in Canberra, we conduct high impact research that combines rigorous fact-driven material with cutting-edge communication strategies.

About Us

Latest news

Media Release

Tax gas exports, invest in health/aged care – new polls

March 23, 2026

Newsletter

Gaslit politics | Between the Lines

March 20, 2026

Treasurer Jim Chalmers after delivering the 2025-26 Federal Budget in the House of Representatives, Parliament House in Canberra, Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Media Release

Free childcare. Free university. The simple, sensible policy which would have raised $63.8 billion in under four years.

March 20, 2026

Media Release

All pain, no gain. Rate rise won’t bring down petrol prices, but it will hurt households

March 17, 2026

Media Release

War, what is it good for? The gas industry

March 17, 2026

Latest Research

Fossil Fuel Mining, Tax, Spending & the Budget

National and Electorate polls – taxing gas exports

March 23, 2026

Energy from Fossil Fuels, Fossil Fuel Mining, Tax, Spending & the Budget, Trade & Foreign Aid

We have already missed out on $63.8 billion in taxes from gas exports

A 25% tax on natural gas exports could have eased the pain of global energy price spikes

March 20, 2026 by Richard Denniss and Matt Saunders

Law & Order

The hole in Australia’s gun laws

What counts as a genuine reason to own a gun?

March 17, 2026 by Skye Predavec, Rod Campbell and Alice Grundy

Law & Order, Society & Culture

Polling – Abortion

March 17, 2026

Fossil Fuel Mining, Tax, Spending & the Budget

Fossil fuel subsidies in Australia 2026

Federal and state government assistance to producers and major users of fossil fuels in 2025-26

March 12, 2026 by Matt Grudnoff and Rod Campbell

Upcoming events

12 hours to start

Webinar, Australia's Biggest Book Club

It’s time for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty with Kumi Naidoo

Join Kumi Naidoo in conversation with Dr Richard Denniss as they discuss Kumi’s new essay, What We Owe the Water: It’s Time for a Fossil Fuel Treaty.

Tue, Mar 24, 2026 6:00 pm AEDT Zoom

1 month to start

Webinar, Australia's Biggest Book Club

Gold Standard? with Frank Bongiorno, Carolyn Holbrook & Joshua Black

Join Frank Bongiorno, Carolyn Holbrook, and Joshua Black as they discuss their new book, Gold Standard?: Remembering the Hawke government.

Fri, Apr 24, 2026 11:00 am AEST Zoom

ACT

1 month to start

Politics in the Pub

Politics in the Pub: Budget Wrap 2026

Wed, May 13, 2026 6:30 pm AEST Verity Lane Market