In a striking and direct intervention, former Treasury secretary Ken Henry has thrown his weight behind a proposed new gas tax during a parliamentary inquiry in Canberra, delivering a blunt message to lawmakers: "Just do it and stop the crap." His comments, captured in a video statement, cut through the political noise with a call for immediate action on taxing Australia's natural gas resources.
A Straightforward Demand for Action
Henry opened his testimony with a succinct and powerful statement, saying, "I could make this very short, and simply say just do it." He emphasized that gas is part of "the natural endowment this country provides to the people of Australia," arguing that the only way citizens benefit from these resources is "through the operation of the taxation system." This perspective frames the tax not as a burden but as a necessary mechanism for public gain.
Challenging Gas Industry Claims
Henry went further to dismiss what he termed "self-serving" claims from major gas companies, urging policymakers to ignore lobbying efforts and implement a 100% tax on windfall profits. He highlighted that such profits, often driven by global market fluctuations, should be fully captured by the government to fund public services and infrastructure, rather than enriching corporate shareholders at the expense of national interests.
His remarks come amid ongoing debates in Australian politics over energy policy, fossil fuel taxation, and the role of mining and oil and gas companies in the economy. Henry's stance underscores a growing push for more aggressive fiscal measures to ensure that natural resources contribute equitably to societal well-being, rather than perpetuating inequality or environmental harm.
This call for a gas tax aligns with broader discussions on energy transition and climate action, as Australia grapples with its reliance on fossil fuels. By advocating for a windfall profits tax, Henry positions the issue as one of economic justice and prudent governance, urging swift legislative action to harness gas revenues for the public good.
