DUTTON’S GAS EXPORT TAX PLAN RESONATES WITH CONSERVATIVE VOTERS
BY ASAD KHAN
New polling from public policy think tank The Australia Institute shows strong public support for Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s proposal to tax gas exports, with the message resonating particularly with conservative voters.
The national survey found 61% of Australians support a gas export tax. Among Coalition voters, support is even higher, at 71%.
Most respondents also agreed that Australia exports too much gas, which they believe is driving up local prices.
Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss, said regional and older voters want Australian households and businesses to benefit from the gas industry, not just multinational exporters.
"Most Australians are shocked to learn we give away more than half the gas we export for free,"
"Conservative voters are particularly outraged — especially when they hear it from someone they trust, like Peter Dutton."
He said Dutton’s message signals a shift in how trade and energy policy is being framed.
"For years, Australians have been told that exports and free trade are good, and we should just wait for the benefits to trickle down," he said.
"It’s a big change to hear Dutton say, 'We’ve got plenty of gas, we’re exporting too much, and locals are copping high prices. Why don’t we put Australians first?'"
He argued that a gas export tax would pressure companies to supply more gas to the domestic market without blocking major developments such as the North West Shelf, which Dutton continues to support.
"In a global context where leaders like Donald Trump are rejecting free trade and pushing national interest, it makes sense for Australian politicians to rethink our own policies,"
The poll results suggest that Dutton’s stance is cutting through, particularly with conservative and regional voters who want local supply prioritised. This narrative may feature heavily in the Coalition’s election strategy.
Listen to Ngaarda Media’s Asad Khan speak with Dr Richard Denniss: