Greenpeace Australia Pacific Media Release
Sydney, Thursday 7 May 2026 – Greenpeace has criticised the Albanese Government for trying to distract Australians, who are calling for a fair tax on gas corporations, with an announcement of a gas reservation policy which has left more questions than answers.
The Albanese Government today announced their new gas reservation policy, which will notionally require gas exporters to supply 20 per cent of their exports to the Australian market – but has left unresolved questions about how the reservation will operate in practice, and whether it will protect Australians from high gas prices and the environmental destruction that comes with new gas drilling projects.
On the same day as the Senate is due to release its report into the taxation of gas resources, the Government has also approved a new production license for Amplitude Energy to drill for offshore gas in waters near the Twelve Apostles in Victoria and released even more areas of pristine ocean off the coast of Victoria for gas drilling.
Joe Rafalowicz, Head of Climate and Energy at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: “This policy, which on paper makes gas corporations reserve 20 per cent of the gas they currently export, lacks any substantive detail, raising more questions than it answers.
“The only thing that is clear from this half-baked announcement is that the government is using it as a smokescreen to distract from the fact they are still refusing to heed the calls from the overwhelming majority of Australians, who are calling on them to tax gas exports properly.
“Announcing this policy just days before the budget and on the same day the gas tax inquiry report makes that crystal clear.
“On the very same day, the Federal Government has also announced a petroleum production permit allowing Amplitude Energy to drill for offshore gas in waters near the Twelve Apostles in Victoria, and has quietly released a new area of ocean for gas exploration.
“New gas which risks our pristine ocean environment and climate is exactly the kind of destruction we should be avoiding by making gas exporters supply Australians first.
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The old Labor Party mantras espoused by Whitlam, Hawke and Keating have gone forever. Current political dynamics are facing a different demographic of voters who are much more aware of existential problems than historic party politics. Albanese is carefully treading this minefield trying to satisfy the demands youth, young marrieds, migrants, retired adults in multiple fields of public interest: health education, housing, transport, employment, social security, foreign policy, etc, etc. Simultaneously, the pressure from industry magnates and their lobbyists, often over-reported by opportunistic media, add another dimension to problem solving at a national level. The “Old Guard” cannot be relied upon to provide a traditional party response any more – the “Old Guard” no longer exist. The safest way for Albanese to exist is to play the “low target” and hopefully don’t provide the media with a “wedge” to frustrate his processes. Similarly to a degree, the Liberals and Nationals no longer espouse their traditional visions. Apart from their current internal problems, they also keep their heads below the parapet to avoid criticism. Left and Right politics no longer exists. Populism and Centrist ideologies are the new thing. If Albanese survives beyond the Trumpian influence then Labor could win the next 2 Federal elections. (Probably with Marles as the next PM!!).
So very, very true, the names of political p[arties are just that, names. Along with Communism, Capitalism, Socialism and the biggy Democracy, just what do they truly represent?
Politicians swop allegencise, are beholden to big business and practice truth manipulation.
Don’t worry about Fascism coming, it’s here and growing in strength.
If you step back, some analysts claim that fossil fuels are already in decline vs renewables & clean energy.
While Putin, Netanyahu and Trump are supposed to cater to the needs of fossil fuels and state capture, their wars have put renewable transition on warp speed; in contrast to RW MSM avoiding anything positive about renewables?
Scam of the week….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaqRkS2F_cs
The real question is….how far is Albo willing to go to break trust?
https://www.themonthly.com.au/karen-middleton/2026-05-07/trust-exercise?