Australian government ministers have engaged with Japanese gas companies more than 20 times in the previous parliamentary term, as reported by the think tank InfluenceMap. This frequent engagement is part of the Labor government's strategy to encourage investment in Australia's fossil fuel sector, specific to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. Reports suggest that Japanese companies have been active partners in lobbying local governments for policies that would extend the operational life of fossil fuel projects, potentially slowing the transition to cleaner energy sources in the Asia-Pacific region.

The report by InfluenceMap emphasizes the significant financial stakes of Japanese companies in Australia's LNG sector, detailing over A$70 billion in equity across 13 major LNG developments, which represent approximately 17% of the global LNG capacity. Among these projects, the Ichthys gas field, primarily funded by Inpex, has attracted considerable investment, highlighting the interconnectedness between Australian resources and foreign investment interests. The findings shed light on how such financial ties may influence Australia's energy policies and the pushback against the shift toward renewable energy.

With the ongoing climate crisis and increasing calls for cleaner energy solutions, the lobbying efforts by Japanese gas companies raise concerns about the future of Australia's energy landscape. While investments in LNG may provide immediate economic benefits, the potential environmental impacts and the need for a meaningful transition to sustainable energy sources stand at the forefront of the national debate. This scenario exemplifies the tension between economic interests tied to fossil fuels and the global imperative to address climate change, placing pressure on the Australian government to balance these competing priorities.