Topic analysis

Gas companies spending millions on Australian advertising blitz to fight export tax, inquiry told

Australian gas companies, including Shell Australia, are contributing to a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign led by peak body Australian Energy Producers (AEP) to oppose a proposed 25% gas export tax, countering claims they underpay taxes and arguing such a levy would freeze investment. Labor MP Ed Husic criticized the industry for "defending the indefensible," while the Albanese government appears likely to avoid the 25% tax and pursue minor changes to the existing Petroleum Resources Rent Tax (PRRT) to avoid alienating trading partners, as revealed during a parliamentary inquiry.