Australian Ministers' Meetings with Japanese Gas Executives Revealed

Australian government ministers met with executives from Japanese gas companies more than 20 times during the last parliamentary term. This activity was detailed in a report by the think tank InfluenceMap.

InfluenceMap asserts that Japanese liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies have collaborated with Australian gas interests to lobby for policies that extend the life of the industry and slow the transition to clean energy in the Asia-Pacific region.

InfluenceMap's Findings on Japanese Investment and Emissions

InfluenceMap quantified the significant role of Japanese operators in Australia's LNG export sector. The report found that companies such as Inpex, Jera, Mitsubishi, and Mitsui hold over A$70 billion in equity across 13 Australian LNG developments.

These developments constitute approximately 17% of global LNG capacity, with the largest investment being in the Ichthys gas field in the Timor Sea, primarily backed by Inpex.

Based on projected output, the report estimates these 13 developments could be associated with 290 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually, which is roughly two-thirds of Australia's total yearly climate pollution.

Government Engagement and Policy Influence

Freedom-of-information documents obtained by InfluenceMap indicate that Resources Minister Madeleine King met with Japanese LNG representatives at least 17 times. Additionally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and three other ministers had single meetings, including a meeting between Albanese and Inpex representatives. InfluenceMap stated that further meetings are likely due to Australia's lobbying transparency rules.

The lobbying appears to have influenced key climate and energy policies, notably King's 2024 "future gas strategy." This strategy indicated a need for new gas sources "to 2050 and beyond," despite net-zero emissions commitments by both the Australian and Japanese governments.

Briefing documents provided to Minister King by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources before her October 2024 visit to Japan echoed language used by the gas industry. The department advised King to assure industry and government leaders of Australia's commitment to being a reliable LNG provider "in support of energy security while transitioning to net zero" and to welcome "further investment in our gas industry."

Japan's Energy Needs and Gas Reselling

Japan, heavily reliant on energy imports including Australian gas and coal, has seen both governments argue that increased gas supply is necessary to cut emissions by replacing coal-fired power and supporting renewable energy.

However,