The Gas Lobbyist Turned Labor Candidate, Debt Panic and Our Push Into Parliament House + Electric Trucking Founder Debates His Harshest Critic

The Gas Lobbyist Turned Labor Candidate, Debt Panic and Our Push Into Parliament House

THE SCAM: Labor preselected Georgia Tree, a former Woodside lobbyist, for the WA seat of Secret Harbour. When asked if she'd personally lobbied against the gas tax, she gave journalists the silent treatment and literally walked away. Days after her announcement, Woodside donated nearly $15,000 to her campaign. She later admitted on camera she's a "pro-gas" candidate — code for giving Australian gas away for free.

THE DAMAGE: Woodside posted a $6 billion quarterly revenue boost while WA households pay through the nose for power. A pro-gas MP who used to lobby for the company is now trying to shape the very rules that govern them. That's not representation — that's a revolving door. Punters are left paying the bill while foreign corporations pocket the profits and politicians giggle about it.

THE COVER-UP/OUTCOME: When pressed, Tree froze, turned her back, and had staffers physically block journalists. Her LinkedIn page (which boasted of her Woodside role) has since vanished. Her boss Roger Cook laughed off questions about her ties. No denials, no transparency, just a hasty mute button and a campaign funded by the very industry she used to represent.

Punter Citations:
WA today - Who’s funding WA’s parties ahead of the Secret Harbour by election?

 

Electric Trucking Founder Debates His Harshest Critic

THEY DISCUSS: New Energy Transport founder Dan Blakeley faced off with commentator Topher Field over electric trucking. Dan claims his 600km run cut fuel costs by 80% and saved 40 minutes. Topher says the numbers are misleading, the grid can't handle it, and the industry survives on subsidies. Dan says private backers fund his company — and the oil crisis proves we can't wait.

THEY AGREE ON: Both agree the current diesel system has problems. Dan points to freight surcharges moving from monthly to daily — hitting punters at the checkout. Topher concedes electric trucks have operational advantages like better hill performance. Both also agree private investment should lead the transition. Topher's condition: no taxpayer handouts. Dan's position: his company is already proving it privately.

THEY DISAGREE ON: The grid. Toey says we're rebuilding a functional system for billions. Dan says onshoring our energy is national security, not optional. The proof? Private equity hasn't rushed in.