The 2023 Queensland budget, released this week, has been an opportunity for the state to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to protecting our climate, communities and nature for future generations.

Overall this budget is extremely positive for the state. With record investment in long-term infrastructure for renewable energy projects, immediate cost-of-living relief on energy bills for all households, and funding to increase national parks and prevent land clearing, there are many things to celebrate.

Much of this has been funded by a modest increase in royalties on the superprofits of Queensland coal companies, meaning those who contributed most to the climate and cost of living crisis are finally helping pay for the renewable energy solutions.

Australia’s most recognised oil and gas company, Santos, has revealed it made a staggering $3 billion profit in 2022, with their underlying profit up 160%, showing its bad behaviour is paying off. 

The federal Government yesterday approved an additional 166 gas wells in Queensland which would lock Queenslanders into climate chaos for decades to come.

Last year, it was revealed that Santos covered up an oil spill from the Varanus Island oil rig off WA which killed dolphins. In December, Santos’ approvals to drill for gas in the Tiwi sea country were invalidated by a Federal Court, because they hadn’t consulted the Traditional Owners. 

In our own state, Santos produced more carbon emissions than 200,000 Queenslanders but paid less company tax than the average person last year.