Big Gas is already reaping record super profits as a direct result of the war in the Middle East. These are the same corporations who are fuelling the climate crisis and the cost-of-living crisis.

This is the behaviour of an evil villain in an age-old story of kicking people and planet while they’re down.

The good news? Right now, Labor is exploring options to introduce a new levy on gas exports, as the government tries to shield Australians from the economic shock of the Middle East war. Our Prime Minister has a golden opportunity to be the hero who stands up to Big Gas.

A 25% gas export tax is what ACF is calling for. With this tax in place, Australians could benefit from an enormous injection of billions of dollars into the economy. Just imagine the good this tax could do: cheaper medicines, free access to rooftop solar, energy bill relief, free public transport.

If there was ever an opportunity to stop Big Gas greed, it is right now, because no corporation should profit from war and misery.

This would not be the first time Big Gas has ripped off Australians when war erupts on the other side of the world. The global energy shock sparked by the war in Ukraine enabled gas exporters to more than double profits from their Australian operations.

In fact, if the government had brought in the 25% export tax after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when prices exploded, it would have raised over $63 billion already.

That’s over $63 billion that the federal government could have funnelled directly into communities around the country to provide significant relief from the cost-of-living crisis. Instead, it was used to line the already fat pockets of Big Gas.

Now, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has the chance to show real leadership and put an end to Big Gas greed.

Learn more about Big Gas greed here.

Some tips on writing your message

Clearly explain your concern and the action you want the recipients to take. In this case, you might want to mention:
- Australians are in a cost-of-living crisis worsened by the war in the Middle East, and gas companies are set to make record profits at our expense.
- A 25% tax on gas exports is a smart and sensible policy that would allow Australians to benefit from billions of dollars ejected into our economy and provide significant relief from cost-of-living pressures
- Big gas corporations are already wrecking our climate and hiking up our bills. We can't allow them to profit from war and suffering.
If you can, be personal about why this issue matters to you and what it will mean to you for them to take action
Be polite and respectful. It's easy for MPs and their staff to ignore rude or abusive messages
Be concise. 3-5 short paragraphs is usually enough to get your message across, and it makes it easier for the recipients to read and engage with

More detailed tips are available here.