Labor push grows for new Australian gas tax

• Backbenchers and major unions are agitating for a new tax on Australian gas export revenue.
• A new draft clause at the national conference opens the door for future resource tax changes.
• The proposal aims to secure higher returns from natural resources despite government reluctance in the recent budget.

Federal Labor backbenchers and union leaders have mounted a push to introduce a new tax on gas export revenue.

The movement follows the inclusion of a new resource taxation clause in the draft platform for the Australian Labor Party.

"If the unions want a higher gas tax, they’ll get a higher gas tax," said Liberal Party Deputy Leader Jane Hume.

The proposal aims to increase public returns, though regional partners like Japan and South Korea previously raised investment concerns.

Following the announcement, broader energy sector sentiment remained sensitive as political debate over resource revenue continued.

Left-aligned Member of Parliament Jerome Laxale also moved an amendment targeting the multibillion-dollar diesel excise rebate for miners.

Meanwhile, frontbencher Murray Watt stated the federal government has no current plans for gas beyond domestic reserves.