Inquiry fires up chances of raising gas export taxes

There are calls for a 25 per cent gas export tax, which could raise an extra $17 billion a year. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

A growing push to raise taxes on gas exporters has received a boost, with the government supporting a Greens-led inquiry ahead of the upcoming federal budget.

Labor voted with the Greens to set up a parliamentary committee into the taxation of Australia's gas resources on Monday.