New resources minister Keith Pitt rejects calls for higher taxes on gas industry

Nationals MP also calls for expansion of Australia's coal seam gas industry

The new minister for resources, Keith Pitt, says he sees no case to increase the level of taxation on the booming gas industry, despite concerns from experts that large multinationals are avoiding paying tax, and the budget is missing out on valuable revenue.

The Queensland National, who replaced Matt Canavan in the portfolio after Canavan resigned to back Barnaby Joyce's unsuccessful tilt at the party leadership, told Guardian Australia: "I think the taxation levels are reasonable where they are, and it will be steady as she goes."