JobSlayer: gas giants grab $300m subsidy then axe 3000 workers

For months the Federal Government has been talking up its “gas-fired recovery”, a key plank of both its “JobMaker Plan” and Australia’s recovery from the Covid-19 recession.

“Gas will help re‑establish a strong economy as part of the Government’s JobMaker plan, making energy affordable for families and businesses and supporting jobs (emphasis added).” So announced Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s press release on September 15, 2020.

To support this “gas-fired recovery”, taxpayers have shelled out about $300 million to the gas industry since October last year. This includes $52.8 million in the 2020 Federal Budget, a $50 million exploration subsidy to the gas industry in the Northern Territory, and $174 million…