While Australian consumers suffer near record-high energy prices, Japan’s multinationals are on-selling Australian LNG. What’s the scam?
The scam of gas exports keeping domestic supply low and prices high is well known to MWM readers; a series of FOIs reveals how much gas company lobbyists’ narratives are echoed in government briefings.
Japanese companies involved in LNG projects in Australia met privately with Australian cabinet ministers and officials
at least 24 times since the Labor Government’s election in May 2022,
while their Australian industry associations (think Australian Energy Producers) issued more than 350 public-facing pro-gas publications over the same period.
The report outlines how fossil fuel companies, including INPEX, JERA, and Mitsubishi, help “shape Australian LNG policy, prices, and regional dependence,” disregarding the interests of Australian consumers while paying little tax.
Commenting on the report, Sophie McNeill, Greens MP in WA, said, “Decades of corporate lobbying have sabotaged climate action and delayed the transition to a sustainable, green future both here in Australia and across Asia.”
Inpex tax scams here:
Inpex and Australia’s gas rip-off. Billions in revenue, crumbs in tax
Kim Wingerei is a businessman turned writer and commentator. He is passionate about free speech, human rights, democracy and the politics of change. Originally from Norway, Kim has lived in Australia for 30 years. Author of ‘Why Democracy is Broken – A Blueprint for Change’.