Greenpeace Activists Arrested for Sydney Gas Conference Protest
Two environmental activists were detained by Sydney police after disrupting a major domestic gas summit to protest industry profiteering and climate impact.
Harry Taruva 
Sydney - Two environmental activists were arrested in Sydney on Tuesday morning, March 31, after disrupting a high-level energy summit to protest what they described as "price gouging" and corporate profiteering within the Australian gas sector.
The demonstration occurred during the Australian Domestic Gas Outlook conference, a major gathering for industry executives and lobbyists.
The activists, representing Greenpeace Australia Pacific, rappelled within the venue to unroll a large-scale banner reading, “Gas Execs Profit. We Pay The Price,” while others displayed placards demanding the government “Tax Gas Profits.”
New South Wales police intervened shortly after 9:00 a.m. local time, taking the two individuals into custody.
The activists were transported to Day Street Police Station, where charges are expected to be processed.
The protest comes amid a heated national debate regarding the windfall profits of energy giants and the escalating cost of living for Australian households.
Greenpeace officials framed the action as a necessary confrontation with an industry they claim is exploiting geopolitical instability to bolster corporate margins.
“Greenpeace activists have taken a strong stand today against profit-hungry gas corporations and lobbyists, who see horrific global wars as an opportunity to price gouge and profiteer, while everyday people pay the price,” said Solaye Snider, a campaigner for Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
The advocacy group specifically targeted major industry players, including Santos and ConocoPhillips, accusing the sector of aggressive lobbying efforts to avoid fair taxation while simultaneously expanding fossil fuel extraction projects.
The group argues that these expansions directly undermine Australia’s climate commitments.
“Australians have had enough of gas corporations like Santos and ConocoPhillips ripping us off, leaving us with nothing but empty pockets and climate damage,” Snider said, adding, “Change requires showing up and speaking out, and that’s what these activists have done today.”
The disruption temporarily halted proceedings at the conference.
The gas industry has historically defended its role in providing energy security and contributing to the national economy through employment and existing tax frameworks.
In the wake of the arrests, Greenpeace reaffirmed its support for the detainees, citing the importance of civil disobedience in the face of the climate crisis.
“Greenpeace Australia Pacific stands by our activists, and stands with all communities who are peacefully fighting for a safe and clean energy future.
“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of a healthy democracy and a basic right of all Australians, Snider added.
The conference resumed later Tuesday morning as police remained on-site to monitor further activity.
