Drop in to your MP’s office to ask them to scrap Morrison’s gas subsidies

In the week of the 15th of August, pop in to your MP’s office to share your concerns about Morrison’s legacy gas cash and call on Labor to scrap them.

What is a drop-in?

You “drop in” to your local federal MPs office to tell them that you’re concerned about the gas industry and ask where your MP stands on the issue.

Why this tactic?

Office drop-ins are one of the most impactful ways of engaging with an MP. They don’t get many people with an issue based concern, instead of a personal or local problem, popping in. It makes them pay attention to what you say.

Why now?

The Morrison Government committed over $2 billion in subsidies to the gas industry in the last two years of their term. These funds were promised to projects like the Darwin Harbour LNG facility, a petrochemical project in Darwin, helping to fast track new gas basins in Queensland and hundreds of millions for unproven carbon capture and storage projects that gas companies are pushing as a “solution” to their climate problem.

A lot of these promises were made but the details hadn’t been worked out and the money hasn’t been spent. This means there’s an opportunity for the new Albanese Government to put a halt to these subsidies in the upcoming October budget, make sure that public money isn’t supporting the polluting gas industry and save a lot of money in the process.

Where: 

Your local MPs office or senator’ s office (or both!).

How to do an MP “drop-in” 

Preparation:

  1. Figure out who your local MP is and where their office is by putting your postcode in here.
  2. Look up their office in google maps and figure out how you’ll get there and what day you will go (9-5 Monday-Friday).
  3. Fill in the form to let us know who you’ll visit and the day and time you’ll go.
  4. Read through the example conversation below and think about what you will say to your MP.
  5. If you have access to a printer you can print out the blog post or news article.
  6. Get in touch if you have any questions – info@350.org.au.

How the conversation could go: 

You: Hi, I’m _____, I live down the road in [suburb]. I just wanted to drop in and see if you could pass a message on to [local MPs name]?

Staffer: yes of course.

You: Great, thank you. I’m really concerned about climate change because _______. I was appalled by the last government’s plans to give lots of money to the gas industry and I’m worried that the Albanese government isn’t going to undo it. Can you let [MP] know that I’m wondering what their position is on winding back these old subsidies?

Staffer: yes, can I just get your contact details so we can get back to you?

You: yes, _______. Thanks for your time.

What else could happen?

  • The MP could be in the office and come out to talk to you. Remember you don’t have to be an expert in subsidies, just let them know that you’re a local, you’re concerned and why.
  • The staffer might tell you to send an email instead. Be polite but firm and tell them that you’re already here and ask again for them to take a message.
  • They could offer you a meeting with the MP – if you say yes and want support before the meeting we can help!
  • If the staffer or MP is rude or makes you uncomfortable, thank them for their time and leave