# Australian Energy Producers

The Australian Energy Producers (AEP), formerly known as the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), is a peak industry body representing Australia's oil and gas exploration and production sector. Founded in 1959, it is headquartered in Canberra, Australia. AEP's current CEO, Samantha McCulloch, previously was global head of carbon capture and storage at the International Energy Agency in Paris.

## Public relations and lobbying

AEP is one of Australia's most powerful lobby groups. The AEP has engaged in public relations and lobbying efforts to promote the oil and gas industry and influence government policies. 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. 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.
However, AEP has faced criticism for greenwashing and prioritising industry interests over public good.

## Australian Energy Producers Conference

The organisation hosts the annual Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition, Australia's largest event dedicated to the energy sector. 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.

### Protests

On 20 May 2024, climate activists from organisations including the Conservation Council of Western Australia and Extinction Rebellion protested the conference in Perth. 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.
The protest targeted the "Welcome" cocktail reception at the Western Australian Museum, 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. These individuals are all pushing for more gas projects in WA.
The protesters demonstrated outside the museum, chanting for climate action and an end to new fossil fuel projects.

## Australian Energy Producers Journal

The 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.

## Governance

The 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.
Current AEP Chair and Vice Chair:
* Chair: Meg O'Neill, Chief Executive Officer and managing director - Woodside Energy
* Vice Chair: Tor McCaul, Managing Director - Comet Ridge
Current Australian Energy Producers Board:
* Frank Calabria - Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Origin Energy
* Ian Davies - Chief Executive Officer - Senex Energy
* Kevin Gallagher- Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer - Santos
* Mark Hatfield - Managing Director - Chevron Australia
* Jan-Arne Johansen - President Australia - ConocoPhillips Australia
* Noel Newell - Executive Chairman - 3D Energi
* Jane Norman - Chief Executive & Managing Director - Amplitude Energy
* Joel Riddle - Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Tamboran Resources
* Rachael Risucci - Managing Director, Gas & Low Carbon Energy - Australian - BP Developments Australia
* Bill Townsend - Vice President Corporate - Inpex
* Cecile Wake - Senior Vice President, Integrated Gas Australia & Country Chair - Shell Australia
* Brett Woods - Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer - Beach Energy
* Ken Yamamura - Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director - Mitsui E&P Australia
* Simon Younger - Chairman - ExxonMobil Australia

## Former Directors

* James Pearson (2000–2002)
* Martin Ferguson
* Reg Sprigg