David Pocock (ACT, Independent) | Hansard source

This motion addresses a very serious issue: the influence of the gas lobby over this place. It's clear we have a huge issue with vested interests and their stranglehold on the major parties when it comes to gas. We are not getting a fair return for our gas. It's got to the point where, even when the ACTU suggests a 25 per cent gas export tax, Labor politicians rubbish that idea and agree with those in the coalition about how much tax the gas industry pays. But, first, I want to mention a huge win that the crossbench and the community had last week: the Prime Minister and presiding officers finally said that there will be real transparency over who walks these corridors. For years this has been the call: more transparency over who is in this place, who gave them that access and who they are here to represent. This is an important step forward, and I welcome it from the government. Clearly, pressure does work.

This motion seeks to go further: an outright ban on conversations between the gas industry and government. I understand the intent of this, but I think governments should actually be talking to the industries that they regulate. I think what we need is transparency. We need ministerial diaries rather than some outright ban on certain industries. Lobbying is a good thing. You need to hear from those who are affected by legislation, but we just need transparency. That is what I have been pushing for the last four years and will continue to push. I don't think a blanket ban is the way to go, so I call on the government to listen to the vast majority of Australians and give us a 25 per cent gas export tax now to solve this problem of a potential shortfall and make Aussie gas cheaper for Australians.