Domestic Gas Reservation Levy Bill 2026

Ms MADELEINE KING (Brand—Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia) (09:21): I move: That this bill be now read a second time. Australia's gas supports households, manufacturers, regional communities and our international trading relationships. Together, the three bills of the domestic gas reservation package establish a nationally consistent domestic gas reservation framework that supports reliable domestic supply while maintaining Australia's role as a trusted LNG exporter.

This bill imposes a levy on export licences. The levy reflects the principle that the costs of administering a regulatory framework should be borne by the industry that benefits from it. It will ensure the efficient costs of regulating LNG exports under the new framework are met by licence holders rather than the wider public.

The levy will apply where an export licence is in force at any time during a regulated period and will be payable by the licence holder. The amount, or the method for calculating it, will be prescribed by regulations. Regulations may set different amounts or calculation methods for different classes of licence holders, allowing the levy to reflect differences in regulatory effort or scheme participation.

Under the principal bill, a levy for a regulated period will be due on 31 January of the following regulated period. Unpaid amounts will attract a daily late-payment penalty, which the Australian Energy Regulator may waive where there are good reasons. Levy and penalty amounts will be recoverable as debts due to the Commonwealth.

The bill will commence on 1 January 2028, aligning with the commencement of the export licensing requirement and domestic supply obligations contained in the principal bill. Together, the three bills establish a nationally consistent domestic gas reservation framework that supports reliable domestic supply, a competitive gas market and Australia's ongoing role as a trusted LNG exporter.

As I conclude the introduction of these three bills, I want to thank my colleagues, my cabinet colleagues and, in particular, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Minister Chris Bowen, and also the Minister for Industry and Science, Senator the Hon. Tim Ayres, for their remarkable work in helping me get these bills to the chamber here today. And I commend all three bills and the entire package for a national gas reservation scheme to the House.

Debate adjourned.