Greenpeace Calls for Stronger Climate Action
On 13 May 2026, Greenpeace Australia Pacific criticised the Federal Budget for not adequately addressing climate change and environmental protections. They labelled it a monumental fumble on climate and nature. Despite widespread calls for a 25% tax on gas exports, the government continued providing $19 billion in annual subsidies to the fossil fuel industry. This decision led to foregone gas tax revenue and did not expand programmes supporting renewable energy adoption.
David Ritter, CEO at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “In the midst of what is already a climate emergency, the global energy crisis sparked by the attack on Iran has starkly emphasised that reliance on fossil fuels puts people at risk.”
The government should be commended for funding national nature law reforms. However, overall investment in environmental protections is deemed insufficient to prevent wildlife extinctions and safeguard vital ecosystems. Ritter stated, “It is good to see the government backing in the new nature laws with funding to help them work, but there is still a chronic shortfall in the investment needed to protect nature.”
Public Support for Taxing Gas Exports
Ritter highlighted the public’s support for taxing gas exports, noting, “The public mood on taxing gas exports is clear. People wanted the government to get it done.” Taxing gas exports is seen as an effective policy to support essential services and drive the rapid transition to renewables.
The budget also lacks increased support for regional climate diplomacy, despite Australia chairing global climate negotiations this year. This is viewed as a missed opportunity, given Australia’s crucial role. “There’s also a conspicuous lack of increased budget support for vital regional climate diplomacy, which is very clearly in the national interest,” Ritter added.
Greenpeace urges the government to prioritise renewable energy transition and hold fossil fuel companies accountable. Ritter mentioned, “The primary duty of governments is to protect the well-being of citizens. The Albanese government needs to show Australians it is willing to put people before polluters, and step up measures to accelerate the transition to renewable energy while holding fossil fuel companies accountable for the damage they have caused.”
