Albanese won’t bring in a gas export tax next week – but he’ll struggle to hold off pressure forever

The PM is clearly not prepared to risk backlash from Asian energy trading partners during a fuel crisis – but his government will face domestic challenges if it does not move eventually Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Two separate events on Monday – one in rain-soaked Canberra, the other in sunny Gladstone – neatly explain why the federal government won’t pursue a new gas export tax in next week’s budget and why it might have no choice but to do so in the future. In the nation’s capital, Anthony Albanese hosted his Japanese counterpart, Sanae Takaichi, for annual leaders’ talks that coincided with the 50th anniversary of the signing of a landmark treaty between the two nations. The prime ministers made high-level commitments on economic security, energy trade, defence and cyber, elevating a friendship that Albanese said had “never been closer”. Had local journalists had the chance to put questions to Takaichi – which they didn’t – she would have almost certainly been asked about the prospect of a new tax on Australian liquified natural gas (LNG) exports. Takaichi might not hav