Background and context

Historically, countries needed fossil fuels to power their economies, and put subsidies in place to encourage companies to produce that power. Subsidies remain in place partly due to this legacy, and also because some countries want to be independent producers of energy, or to boost their economy. 

However, fossil fuel subsidies continue to pose significant challenges to global efforts aimed at transitioning to renewable energy sources. According to the IEA Net Zero by 2050 report, all governments need to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies in the next few years if we hope to hit net zero by 2050 and limit warming to 1.5C. The IEA has “called time” on subsidies stating we are “moving ever farther away from meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement”. The IMF estimates that such measures could decrease global fossil fuel-related carbon emissions by over 20%. 

Change is possible, and it’s happening elsewhere. Several countries have initiated reforms to reduce fossil fuel subsidies. In contrast, Australia continues to allocate substantial financial support to the fossil fuel industry. According to the Australia Institute, government assistance to fossil fuel producers and major users increased by 31%, from $11.1 billion in 2022-23 to $14.5 billion in 2023-24. Redirecting these funds toward renewable energy, public infrastructure, and climate adaptation would accelerate Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions while reducing taxpayer-funded support for polluting industries. 

Why is this important?

• Fossil fuel subsidies encourage wasteful energy consumption and limit investment in renewables and energy-efficient technology
• The fossil fuel system is misaligned with climate targets, stakeholders and developing technologies.  Australia’s insistence on propping it up is both economically and environmentally irresponsible
• Governments should be supporting the growth of renewable energy instead

Who to contact: 

• Your local Federal MPs (check on this website if you’re unsure who that is)
• Key Federal Labor (addresses in link) including Resources Minister Madeleine King, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese; Treasurer Jim Chalmers; Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen; Trade and Tourism Minister Don Farrell
• Federal Senate Crossbenchers (addresses in link) including Greens, David Pocock (ACT independent), Jacquie Lambie (JLN) and Tammy Tyrell, who hold the balance of power in the Senate

Resources

• Email example below and General email template here to write your own from scratch

Email example:

If you need some help getting started with your email, here is an example. 

Please don’t copy it exactly - personalise it and tailor it to the MP you are writing to. 

In addition, when writing to a Minister or Shadow Minister, start by saying that you’re writing to them in their role as Minister for xxxx, otherwise they will probably just forward your email to your local MP.

[MP name]

[Member for …. or  Minister for ….]

Dear …

[personal statement - who you are and why you care]

I am writing to ask you and your government to immediately end all fossil fuel subsidies, tax breaks and research grants. Those funds and incentives would be much better spent supporting renewables and Australia’s transition to net zero.

According to a recent report by the IEA, all governments must end fossil fuel subsidies in the next several years if we hope to reach net zero and limit global warming to 1.5C. Despite that, our country gave $14.5 billion in fossil fuel subsidies in 2023-2024. Given what Australia and the world stand to lose from climate change, this is inexcusable.  

I therefore ask:

Will you end all fossil fuel industry subsidies, including grants, tax breaks and research and development tax credits?

Will you shift these investments to renewable energy and research that will help Australia reach net zero?

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Address

Phone 

(Note: your contact details are required if you want a reply)

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