Shell and Other Gas Firms Contribute $1 Million to Campaign Highlighting Industry Tax Payments Amid Australian Export Levy Debate

A parliamentary inquiry into a new gas tax heard on Wednesday that Shell Australia is contributing around $1 million to an Australian Energy Producers campaign aimed at justifying the taxes paid by the oil and gas industry. Half-a-dozen oil and gas companies are also contributing to this campaign, according to testimony at the inquiry.

The effort seeks to counter claims by advocates for a proposed 25% levy on gas export revenue, which would replace the existing Petroleum Resources Rent Tax.

Shell Australia country chair Cecile Wake stated at the hearing that the campaign was necessary to counter-balance very selective claims by advocates. She added that the campaign puts salient facts in front of the Australian public and is balanced and fact-based. $21.9 billion in taxes and royalties to federal, state, and territory governments in 2024-25, according to Australian Energy Producers.

Meta data shows the group spent $170,500 on pro-gas messages on Facebook and Instagram in the 30 days to April 19, 2026. The Australia Institute spent almost $100,000 on advertising in the same 30-day period to April 19, 2026, based on Meta data. The Guardian reported that the advertising campaign is part of an industry effort against the proposed levy.

Ed Husic, a Labor MP who supports a 25% export gas tax, stated on ABC’s Afternoon Briefing: do not spend millions advertising and defending the indefensible; pay your corporate tax and respect that Australians want a better deal on their resources. The Guardian reported Husic's comments.

The government has tasked the Treasury with modeling a windfall profits tax and changes to the Petroleum Resources Rent Tax.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declined to speculate on a gas export tax during questioning on Wednesday, as reported by The Guardian. The parliamentary inquiry will hold its third and final public hearing in Perth on Friday. It will table its report on May 7, 2026.