We're weeks out from the federal budget. Treasurer Scott Morrison could announce reforms to a broken tax system that's letting big polluters get away with not paying their fair share of tax. But industry is fiercely lobbying the government to keep the status quo.
We need a huge public outcry to win. Your voice is crucial: can you please call on the Treasurer to fix the petroleum resource rent tax (PRRT)?
The best times to call are between Mon to Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm AEST.
Here is an example of how a conversation could start (or you can just wing it!):
Hello, I’m [Your Name], I would like to talk to Treasurer Scott Morrison, please.
(Scott Morrison's assistant is likely going to say that he is not available. They'll ask how they can help you.)
I have heard that the government could reform the petroleum resource rent tax in the upcoming budget to make oil and gas companies pay their fair share of tax. I wanted to tell Mr. Morrison that I support reform, as currently Australians are losing out on billions of dollars that could fund our schools and hospitals.
Multinational oil and gas companies shouldn't be allowed to dig up our precious resources for free.
Can you please pass this message on to Mr. Morrison?
Thank you for your time.
Tips:
- Be friendly and polite - the person picking up the phone will find it hard to ignore you if you are polite.
- Don’t feel like you have to answer any specific questions if you don’t feel comfortable.
FAQs
What if they ask who asked me to call?
Tell the person that you’re a member of a global organisation called SumOfUs (with hundreds of thousands of members in Australia), which runs campaigns to keep corporations accountable. Tell them you’re calling as someone who is concerned about oil and gas multinationals not paying their fair share of tax.
What if they ask me if Treasurer Scott Morrison is my MP?
Tell the person where you are from. Even if you’re not his electorate, he's the Treasurer and represents all people living in Australia.
Do I have to be an expert to call Mr. Morrison and express my concerns?
No! But if you do want more guidance, check out the Tax Justice Network's website
here -- it’s great! There's lots of useful research and background information.
What if the person asks me a question you can’t answer?
It’s ok to say you don’t know. Or you might want to say that you will research the answer and contact them back with more information.
What if I’m not connected?
The line may be busy - sorry about that. Please do try calling again during office hours.