ESA Young Professionals - Book Club

Join us for after-work drinks and a discussion featuring young economists. It's the perfect opportunity to relax, mingle with fellow young professionals, and expand your professional circle. 

Please find the following article to read for discussion at the event.  We will have printouts of the articles available on the day:

• “There’s a way to tax gas windfalls for the long term” (Allegra Spender, Independent MP)
  https://www.afr.com/policy/tax-and-super/there-s-a-way-to-tax-gas-windfalls-for-the-long-term-20260422-p5zpxg
  This article proposes a structural reform: a progressive, price-linked export royalty with a minimum floor. It aims to better capture windfall profits while maintaining investment incentives and simplifying the current complex tax system.

We provide the following two articles as supplementary reading:

• “Labor’s got neither the taxing nor reserving of gas right” (Tony Wood, Grattan Institute)
  https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/labor-s-got-neither-the-taxing-nor-reserving-of-gas-right-20260507-p5zusg
  A policy critique arguing the government’s approach is inconsistent and underdeveloped. It assesses both taxation and domestic gas reservation and concludes that Australia lacks a coherent long-term strategy balancing revenue, investment, and energy security.
• “Inside the online army fighting the gas tax war” (Myriam Robin & Ryan Cropp)
  https://www.afr.com/companies/energy/inside-the-online-army-fighting-the-gas-tax-war-and-it-s-not-over-20260514-p5zx4n
  This article looks at how the gas tax debate has been driven into the mainstream through social media, influencers, politicians, and think tanks. It’s less about the technical policy itself and more about how public opinion and political momentum are being shaped online. 

Here are the event details:

Date: Wednesday 3 June 2026
Time: 5.30pm
Location: Ground Floor, Il Mercato Centrale, 546 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 
Cost: Free for members / $10 for non-members (join now).  

If you are not yet an ESA VIC member, this event is an opportunity for you to become a member to enjoy discounted rates on this and  other events and access to other free events throughout the year. You can become a member here.

We look forward to welcoming you to this event, 

ESA Young Professionals Network

ESA Victoria Branch adheres to the Chatham House Rule. Attendees who come to a meeting are free to use information from the discussion, but are not allowed to attribute comments made.

*Please note, if you would like to cancel a booking for a refund, we require at least 48 hours notice.

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