Media release: Building a smarter tax system for Australia’s resource economy in focus at the Energy & Minerals Tax Conference 2025

The Energy & Minerals Tax Conference 2025 opening in Brisbane today will examine the evolving tax, investment and regulatory landscape shaping Australia’s economic and energy future.

Co-hosted by Australian Energy Producers and the Minerals Council of Australia, the two-day conference brings together leading tax professionals, policymakers and industry leaders to discuss the national tax reform and productivity agenda, and what it means for investment, growth and competitiveness in Australia’s oil, gas and minerals sectors.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the conference provided a timely opportunity to consider how Australia’s resources sector can continue to drive Australia’s economic growth and energy security.

“The natural gas and minerals sectors are the engine room of the Australian economy, accounting for 10 per cent of Australia’s GDP and more than half of all company tax paid in 2023–24,” Ms McCulloch said.

“This conference is about looking ahead to ensure Australia’s tax system and broader regulatory landscape continue to encourage investment and innovation in our most productive industries — supporting a strong and internationally competitive resources sector.”

Minerals Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer Tania Constable said the conference comes at a critical time for ensuring Australia’s tax system continues to attract investment and support the industries that underpin national prosperity.

“Higher tax is not the path to higher investment. Policy settings which support higher productivity and greater certainty for business will encourage Australia’s world-class minerals industry to invest and create more jobs and economic growth, especially in our regions,” Ms Constable said.

Former Westpac Chief Economist Bill Evans will deliver the opening keynote address today, with Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury Andrew Leigh providing the government address tomorrow. Shadow Minister for Trade and Tourism Kevin Hogan MP will also join a discussion on the economic impacts of great-power competition, conflict and protectionism — and how Australia can promote regional stability and freer trade.