Chevron has hit back at calls for tax reform to ensure it pays a fair share of on the Aussie natural gas it exports.
Listening to a Senate Inquiry on its Gorgon Project, the multinational said it was pretty appalled that no one was considering the fact that paying tax on the gas had the potential to affect its bottom line. With a spokesperson adding,
“Not sure Australia is understanding our position. Put it this way, every dollar we pay in so-called fair taxation is a dollar less for our shareholders and board. This is clearly unacceptable”
Chevron went on to say that while it was confident in its creative accounting, there was still a serious risk it would make less money if it was taxed more.
We spoke to a taxation expert who told The Times that Chevron were onto somethign, adding,
“I think your average man can relate to their position. You know when you look at your payslip and you see the amount you earned and then the amount you take home, that’s the feeling they are dealing with, it’s not very nice is it?”
Many in the Australian Government took a moment to reflect on Chevron’s concerns and admitted they hadn’t thought of that. With one insider saying,
“Sets a bit of a dangerous precedent doesn’t it, if we tax this gas company will we have to tax them all? What bout other multinationals? Will we have to ask them for money too for profiting off Australia?”
Chevron has repeated its threat to “reduce investment” if it is taxed and instead suggested a pay-what-they-feel system. Kind of like one of those vegetarian curry places.
This suggestion will be given due consideration.
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