On 21 February 2025, TSI CEO Baethan Mullen joined a panel of experts – including Louise Crawford, Amanda Cahill, Warwick Smith and Jason Field – to discuss 'Climate Transition, Regional Development and Community Wellbeing' at the Per Capita Tax Summit.
Baethan made the case for the return of carbon pricing as the most efficient and equitable way to cut emissions, outlining five key points:
1. Carbon pricing is a proven, conventional economic tool to address the damage caused by emissions – by removing market distortions, raising public revenue and incentivising cleaner alternatives.
2. Australia’s carbon tax worked. Emissions fell significantly between 2012 and 2014, and rose again after repeal.
3. Subsidy-driven alternatives are less efficient and often regressive – benefiting wealthier households, while missing the broader incentive signal of a direct price on carbon.
4. The Carbon Solutions Levy (CSL) – TSI’s model for carbon pricing – would tax fossil fuel extraction at around 100 coal and gas sites, generating up to $100 billion annually to support households, fund infrastructure and accelerate the energy transition.
5. Carbon pricing is politically viable. Public support is strong, fossil fuel profits are high, and revenue can be used to drive a fair and popular transition.
Baethan Mullen
Chief Executive Officer
Baethan Mullen has over 20 years of experience in public policy, economics and advocacy. Prior to joining the Superpower Institute, Baethan was General Manager of Economics & International at the ACCC, and led the largest energy efficiency program in Australia as Executive Director at the Essential Services Commission.
