The Australian Energy Producers (AEP), formerly known as the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA),[1] is a peak industry body representing Australia's oil and gas exploration and production sector. Founded in 1959,[2] AEP is headquartered in Canberra, Australia.[3]
Australian Energy Producers | |
 Logo | |
| Abbreviation | AEP |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1959 |
| Purpose | Trade Association, Lobbying |
| Headquarters | Canberra, Australia |
Membership | 200 |
Board Chair | Meg O'Neill |
Chief Executive | Samantha McCulloch |
| Website | https://energyproducers.au/ |
Formerly called | Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) |
Public Relations and Lobbying
editAEP is one of Australia's most powerful lobby groups.[4] The AEP has engaged in public relations and lobbying efforts to promote the oil and gas industry and influence government policies.[5] These activities have included media relations, advertising, community engagement, and lobbying for industry-friendly policies.
AEP has utilized various public relations firms to support its communications and advocacy efforts. One such firm, CMAX Advisory, has been identified as working for AEP.[6] The F-List, a report by Clean Creatives, named CMAX Advisory as one of the "most polluting agencies" in Australia due to its representation of fossil fuel clients.[6]
However, AEP has faced criticism for greenwashing and prioritising industry interests over public good.[7]
Australian Energy Producers Conference
editThe organisation hosts the annual Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition, Australia's largest event dedicated to the energy sector.[8] The conference serves as a key platform for industry leaders, government officials, customers, and financiers to discuss and shape the future of Australia's energy landscape.
In 2010 the then 'APPEA' conference won "Association or Government Meeting of the Year" award from Meetings & Events Australia.[9]
Protests
editOn the 20th May 2024, climate activists from organisations including the Conservation Council of WA and Extinction Rebellion protested the conference in Perth, Western Australia.[10] The protest aimed to express opposition to AEP's promotion of gas expansion in the state and to highlight the growing public concern about the impact of fossil fuel projects on climate change and biodiversity.[10]
The protest targeted the "Welcome" cocktail reception at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, where attendees included AEP Chair and Woodside CEO Meg O'Neill, WA Minister for Environment, Energy, and Climate Action Reece Whitby, and Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King.[10] These individuals are all pushing for more gas projects in WA.[10]
The protesters demonstrated outside the museum, chanting for climate action and an end to new fossil fuel projects.[10]
Australian Energy Producers Journal
editThe Australian Energy Producers Journal (ISSN 1326-4966) is produced each year in conjunction with the conference and is distributed to conference attendees. The first edition of the Australian Energy Producers (then APEA) Journal was published in 1961. The Australian Energy Producers journal is listed on the ERA (Excellence in Research for Australia) 2012 Journal List as ERAID 1707.[11]
Governance
editThe Australian Energy Producers (AEP) is governed by a Board of Directors composed of representatives from leading oil and gas companies in Australia. The Board meets quarterly to oversee the organisation's activities and strategic direction.[12]
Current AEP Chair and Vice Chair:
- Chair: Meg O'Neill, Chief Executive Officer and managing director, Woodside Energy Limited[12]
- Vice Chair: Tor McCaul, managing director, Comet Ridge Limited[12]
Former Directors
edit- James Pearson (2000–2002)
- Martin Ferguson[5]
- Reg Sprigg[13]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Oil and gas lobby group rebrands – just don't mention petroleum". Australian Financial Review. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association - APPEA | Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association". Archived from the original on 21 August 2011. Retrieved 23 August 2011.
- ^ InfluenceMap. "Australian Energy Producers (Formerly APPEA)". lobbymap.org. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Gaslighting: How APPEA and its members continue to oppose genuine climate action". ACCR. 14 June 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ a b Lucas, Adam (4 March 2018). "Revealed: the extent of job-swapping between public servants and fossil fuel lobbyists". The Conversation. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ a b Drew, Rosie (24 September 2024). "Which Australian agencies are in bed with climate polluters and fossil fuel lobby groups? The 2024 F-List reveals all". Mumbrella. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Australia's oil and gas lobby group wants the law to step in when people make 'false' claims of greenwashing". ABC News. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Energy Producers Conference (24 October 2024). "Australian Energy Producers Conference". Energy Producers Conference. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "Meetings & Events Australia". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "Climate Activists Crash Fossil Fuel Lobbyist Party in Perth". Conservation Council of Western Australia. 21 May 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ "ERA 2012 Journal and Conference Lists". Archived from the original on 24 October 2014. Retrieved 14 December 2015.
- ^ a b c "Australian Energy Producers Board". Australian Energy Producers. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
- ^ Kurmelovs, Royce (27 July 2024). "What the gas giants knew all along". The Saturday Paper. Retrieved 26 October 2024.