Live Lobbying Updates & Resources

In a March 16th Australian Financial Review article, CEO’s from Senex Energy and The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) criticized the Australian Governments' intervention in the gas market and called for new investments in supply. This was also echoed by the CEO of cross-sector industry association the Ai Group in a press release, stating that it is “implausible that we can get by without new gas supply this decade” while also supporting an increase in alternate energy sources.

​​In a March 15 op-ed, New South Wales Minerals Council (NSWMC) CEO, Stephen Galilee, appeared to oppose the early retirement of coal assets in New South Wales. Galilee called for the planned 2025 closure of the Eraring coal-fired power station to be delayed until replacement generation is ready, emphasizing the risks of electricity shortages, blackouts and energy price increases.​

The Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) opposed calls for a ban on new fossil projects, in a statement on the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms at the 27-28th February Senate Standing Committee Public Hearing on the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill. MCA also emphasized the need for the Safeguard Reforms to maintain industry competitiveness and avoid carbon leakage, and appeared to support a lower price cap on Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU).

​​Australian associations adopt mixed positions on the proposed design of the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms. The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) appeared to oppose key components of the Australian Government’s reforms in its February 24 submission on the proposed design of the mechanism. SACOME called for a delayed implementation of the reforms and for “far greater” financial assistance to EITE facilities. ​Both the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) and Woodside called for expanded support for emissions intensive facilities and supported the proposed price cap on Australian Carbon Credits, while APPEA also advocated for further cost containment measures. ​​​

The Business Council of Australia, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association submitted their opposition to the Australian Treasury's proposed mandatory code of conduct, which includes a temporary gas price cap and provisions for reasonable pricing. The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association stated that new gas supply was the key to putting downward pressure on prices, while the Business Council of Australia stated that the code of conduct would deter new fossil gas investment and advocated for the government to expedite fossil gas projects. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry advocated for the removal of restrictions on gas exploration and for fast-tracking the approval process for new fossil gas developments.

​​News that the main opposition party will oppose Labor’s proposed reform of the Safeguard Mechanism appears to have not been welcomed by industry groups. In an Australian Financial Review article posted on January 31st, the Business Council of Australia CEO Jennifer Westacott stated that it still supported the reforms, as did Ai Group CEO Innes Willox who stated that it was in everyone’s interest for the reforms to pass. The CEO of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry also stated that the legislation must pass ‘for the sake of certainty and the achievement of our emissions' reduction goals’​

In a January 23rd Sydney Morning Herald article, it was reported that Shell was supporting new fossil fuel supplies in New South Wales and Victoria in order for supply to be closer to demand.

In a January 10th press release, Carbon Market Institute (CMI) CEO, John Connor, welcomed the release of the Albanese Government’s draft Safeguard Mechanism Rules. Connor stated that the draft Rules were an important step forward in guiding the decarbonization of Australian industry, whilst also emphasizing the need for baseline decline rates to be steepened over time.

In its 15th December submission to the Australian Treasury on gas price caps, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) appeared unsupportive of price caps, stressing it must be a temporary solution. It also stated that it 'strongly advocates for the increase of supply of gas to the domestic market' and appeared unsupportive of regulation to limit fossil gas supply in Victoria and New South Wales, suggesting that regulation could be 'improved' to fast-track gas field development.

Queensland Resources Council’s CEO, Ian Macfarlane, has urged the federal government to reconsider its decision to cap gas prices. In a December 13th press release, Macfarlane warned that the cap will destroy investor confidence in future gas exploration, whilst also calling on the government to take action to build gas supply.

Ian Macfarlane also appeared to support the continued role for coal in the energy mix in December 7 and December 8 press releases. Macfarlane strongly opposed the Queensland government’s decision to increase royalties on Queensland coal producers, arguing that the royalty hike threatened future investment in resource projects across the board, including Queensland’s coal industry.

In response to the Australian federal government's decision to cap the price of gas, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) made a series of statements on the 12th December, strongly opposing the move. It stated that such a price cap would reduce the incentive for new supply, adding that it is new supply that is needed, and not regulation.

Queensland Resources Council has launched a series of ad campaigns targeting the Queensland government’s decision to increase royalties on the coal sector, as reported in a November 23rd article by the Canberra Times. CEO Ian Macfarlane called for the government to reconsider the royalty hike, arguing that the “short-sighted decision” posed a risk to future investment and employment.

In a November 6th press release, the CEO of the Business Council of Australia, Jennifer Westacott, supported Australia and the Pacific Islands bid to host COP31 in 2026, stating that COP31 would be a chance for Australia to lock in the position of a climate leader.

The CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), Samantha McCullogh, welcomed Australia’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge in an October 23rd press release.

Andrew Liveris, a deputy chairman of Saudi Aramco, supported the implementation of a market-based price on carbon in Australia, as reported in an article by Australian Financial Review on October 10. Liveris also referenced the market carbon pricing models in the US and Europe and its impact in reducing emissions. However, it is unclear if Liveris supports government-led carbon pricing policies. In the same article, Liveris also advocated for investments in fossil gas pipelines and government incentives for green hydrogen production in Australia.

In a September 28th ABC News article, Queensland Resources Council CEO, Ian Macfarlane, stated that he “welcomed” Queensland’s new clean energy plan, but expressed concerns regarding the cost of the initiative. Macfarlane also appeared to express concerns on the reliability and affordability of power production under the scheme, which aims to create two pumped-hydro sites and stop regular reliance on coal by 2035.

On the 23rd September, the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) released its submission on the Safeguard Mechanism Reform, in which it appeared to oppose the policy reforms. In its submission, SACOME advocated for ‘headroom’ to be retained, and advocated for Safeguard Credits to be fungible with Australian Carbon Credits (ACCUs), while also advocating for Safeguard Mechanism facilities to continue generating ACCUs. SACOME also advocated for a delay in the Mechanism’s implementation, and expressed concerns around industry competitiveness.

In a 20th September AFR article, cross-sector industry association, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), stated that it opposed any exemptions for emission intensive trade exposed (EITE) industries in the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms. The association instead advocated for direct financial support for investments in ‘low carbon technologies’. However, oil and gas industry association, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) CEO, Samantha McCulloch, stated in a separate AFR article from the 19th September that she is looking to ‘ensure that the commitments already made by government around emissions-intensive trade exposed industries are maintained’.

In a July 14th Sydney Morning Herald article, the president of BHP’s Australian minerals, Edgar Baso, opposed Queensland's decision to remove a ten-year freeze on coal royalties in the state. Baso called the move the “antithesis of considered policy”, and said that the decision was a “backwards step” that will impact Queensland’s reputation as a place to invest.

In a July 18th Sydney Morning Herald article, Whitehaven Coal CEO, Paul Flynn, opposed Queensland's decision to remove a ten-year freeze on coal royalties in the state, saying that “it is clearly not a royalty, it’s a tax”. Flynn also appeared to suggest that Whitehaven Coal would be engaging with the New South Wales government on its own coal royalty policies, and stated that the company would make sure the state "understands the critical role the resources sector plays".

In a joint submission to the 2023-24 Federal Budget, the Business Council of Australia advocated for policies to aid the development of renewables in Australia, including a National Renewable Exports Strategy and a National Renewable Infrastructure Plan and to achieve 82% renewable penetration by 2030.

Speaking at CERAweek on the 6th March, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher stated that “its all about new supply in Australia” adding that he was pleased that the Prime Minster had voiced support for continued fossil gas investments. Gallagher also added that they have more gas than they know what to do with and could be sending it to Asia for decades to come.

A number of Australian companies and industry associations have provided statements on the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms at the 27-28th February Senate Standing Committee Public Hearing on the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill. Both the Business Council of Australia (BCA) and the Ai Group urged the bill to be passed, while stating support for provisions for emissions intensive facilities. The BCA and the Ai Group also opposed demands from the green party to ban new fossil fuel projects.

​​In a February 16 response to the Australian Treasury’s consultation on climate-related financial disclosure, the Investment Company Institute advocated for less ambitious Scope 3 disclosure requirements and asserted that asset managers should not be subject to the reporting requirements.​

In a 5th February press release, Minerals Council of Australia CEO, Tania Constable, called for the Australian Federal Government to rule out abolishing the Fuel Tax Credit scheme. Constable argued that the scheme is not a fossil fuel subsidy and that scrapping it would not lead to emissions reductions.

​​In a January 31st Australian Financial Review article, the CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) stated that moratoriums of fossil fuel development and other policy developments such as the introduction of a price cap are having a detrimental impact on investment decisions to supply more fossil gas in Australia.

In a January 11th Sydney Morning Herald article, Minerals Council of Australia CEO, Tania Constable, appeared to emphasize the need to keep trade-exposed export industries strong and competitive under reforms to Australia’s Safeguard Mechanism.

Minerals Council of Australia CEO, Tania Constable, has welcomed the inclusion of a cost-containment measure in the Australian government’s proposed Safeguard Mechanism reforms, as reported on January 10th by the Australian Financial Review. Constable appeared to advocate for a lowering of the price cap on Australian Carbon Credit Units to $50, stating that the $75 figure was still relatively high.

In a December 16th Australian Financial Review article, BHP CEO Mike Henry stated that Queensland’s coal royalty hike should be repealed. Henry stated that growth was needed across all Australian sectors to develop the country’s economic base.

ExxonMobil appeared to advocate in favor of fossil gas in Australia in an article from the Australian Financial Review on December 13. The company was commenting on the Australian government’s proposal to control gas prices. ExxonMobil stated that the “rushed and ill-considered” policy will drive away investments and reduce gas production in the country.

In its submission to the Draft Competition and Consumer Amendment Bill on the 14th December, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) stated opposition to the proposed price cap on fossil gas in Australia. While it acknowledged the need to move away from coal and gas, it stated support for continued investment in these fuels in the near term, and appeared to suggest relaxing environmental approval laws to expedite fossil fuels projects approval.

In a November 10th media release, NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee stated that an additional tax on the New South Wales (NSW) thermal coal industry would be strongly resisted by the sector. Galilee also emphasized that other recent policy decisions, such as the safeguard mechanism, methane pledge and the decision to review Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act approvals, were threatening the competitiveness of the NSW coal export sector.

In a November 8th AFR article, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher blamed energy policy failure in Australia and domestic climate wars for the energy crisis, while advocating for the government to invest to develop new gas sources.

On the 11th October, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) entered a submission to the Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications on the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (Climate Trigger) Bill 2022. In the response, the BCA stated that it opposed the introduction of a climate trigger to the policy.

In an October 10th Sydney Morning Herald article, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher argued that energy supply issues in the UK are a direct result of underinvestment in the industry. He stated that the situation was a ‘reminder to us all’ to invest in new oil and gas supply, claiming that those who call for the end of fossil fuels are ‘adding to the problem’.

In a 28th September press release in response to the release of Queensland’s Energy Plan, which includes renewable energy targets of 70% use by 2032 and 80% by 2035, the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) appeared to promote the role of fossil gas. APPEA stated that the plan highlights how fossil gas will be needed in the energy mix for ‘decades to come’.

On the 26th September, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) released its submission on the Safeguard Mechanism Reform, in which it appeared to hold mixed positions overall. ACCI stated that it supported declining baselines and the removal of ‘headroom’, but also the ability for facilities to continue to register Emissions Reduction Fund projects, while stressing the need to not double count. ACCI also supported tailored treatment to emissions intensive trade exposed (EITE) facilities, but added that they should not be exempt from contributing to the national abatement task.

In a 7th September press release, Iberdrola CEO Ignacio Galán welcomed “the full ratification of Australia's decarbonization targets”, praising the policy framework as a way for Australia to become a leading power in the energy transition.

In an interview with ABC RN Breakfast on the 7th June, the Business Council of Australia (BCA) CEO, Jennifer Westacott, stated that gas was a part of the net zero economy and described past moratoriums on fossil gas production as ‘unhelpful’. Meanwhile, on the same day, the CEOs of Ai Group and Clean Energy Council released a joint statement as part of a broader coalition of groups which called for a faster build out of renewables and a ‘speedier’ move away from natural gas towards alternatives such as electrification.

​​In a March 10 consultation submission, the Australian Energy Council (AEC) appeared to oppose the inclusion of an environmental objective in Western Australia’s State Electricity Objective (SEO). The AEC stated that the SEO, which is planned for inclusion in the Electricity Industry Act 2004, should not prioritize investment on environmental grounds and that environmental regulation is best governed through Western Australia’s existing independent environmental approval process. ​

Orica provided a statement on the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms at the 27-28th February Senate Standing Committee Public Hearing on the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill. Orica stated general support for the Safeguard Reforms, although it also advocated for the extension of deemed surrender provisions,

The Carbon Market Institute actively supported the proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism in its February 27th submission, advocating for the ratcheting of baseline decline rates from 2030 and the expansion of the scheme. Further, in a statement on the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms at the 27-28th February Senate Standing Committee Public Hearing on the Safeguard Mechanism (Crediting) Amendment Bill, CMI actively supported the policy, calling for broader coverage of the scheme. CEO John Connor also appeared to express support for a "budget approach" to limit future fossil fuel investment. CMI Director Kurt Winter went on to issue support for the implementation of a climate trigger in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

In a 15th February AFR article, the CEO’s of cross sector industry groups the Australian Industry Group and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry both voiced opposition to the Green party’s demand to include a ban on new oil and gas projects in order for them to support the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms.

On the 3rd February, the CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association testified at the Senate Cost of Living Inquiry. She testified that energy prices are increasing due to underinvestment in new gas supply, adding that new supply is the key to reduce prices.

​In a 19th January press release, Queensland Resources Council CEO, Ian Macfarlane, called for the Queensland Government to review its decision to increase coal royalty rates. Macfarlane emphasized its impact on the competitiveness of the state’s coal producers, as well as the risk to future investment in Queensland resource projects.

In a January 11th Australian Financial Review article, Rio Tinto Australia CEO Kellie Parker “applauded” announcements of support for heavy industry under the Australian government’s reform of the Safeguard Mechanism.

On 10th January 2023, the Australian government released its proposed Safeguard Mechanism reforms for consultation. The Business Council of Australia, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Ai Group appeared to welcome the reforms in January 10th press releases, but appeared to support tailored treatment to emissions-intensive-trade-exposed facilities (EITEs). Ai Group and the Business Council of Australia also appeared to support the potential for a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) for Australia, but this was opposed by ACCI, who stated that it would be a ‘punitive tax’ and would do little to incentivize low emissions technology.

In a December 9th press release, Rebecca Knol, CEO of the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME), strongly opposed the introduction of a cap on Australian gas prices, stating that it will disincentivize investment in future domestic gas projects. Knol went on to argue that the most “effective way to reduce gas prices” is through increasing gas supply.

The New South Wales Minerals Council strongly opposed calls from the Federal Government for the states to impose price caps on coal in a December 7th press release. In the release, the association promoted a report that labels the measure ‘impractical’. The report also calls on governments to ensure more generation supply is available, including potentially delaying closures of the Liddell and Eraring coal power plants in New South Wales.

In a December 14th Australian Financial review article, Geraldine Slattery President of BHP Australia appeared to oppose Australia’s national cap on gas prices. Slatter called for a time limit of the cap’s reasonable price provisions, and also advocated for the continued role of coal and gas alongside renewables in the same statement.

As part of a joint letter from December 12th, Allianz and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia welcomed the Treasurer’s announcements on the Australian Government’s plans to drive sustainable finance. It included support for the newly launched consultation process on climate-related disclosures, and plans for a science-based Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.

On the 27th November, the CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) encouraged the government in Victoria to develop new fossil gas supply in the state following the election result.

The NSW Minerals Council, the Queensland Resources Council, the Minerals Council of Australia and Whitehaven Coal have all called on the Federal Government to rule out a new tax on gas and coal producers in separate statements released between November 11th and 16th, emphasizing issues of investor confidence and employment.

On the 31st October, the Business Council of Australia released its consultation response on the Electric Vehicle Strategy, in which it stated support for the strategy and acknowledged that electric vehicles are generally more efficient than their internal combustion powered counterparts, and can be powered by renewable energy.

A Toyota Australia executive publicly stated in a press Q&A and speech that “some of this belief that you can just go full electric in 10 years in this country … is a very difficult proposition” while promoting a longer-term role for “a diversity of products and powertrains” including ICE-powered hybrids in Australia. Contrastingly, in the same speech, the executive asserted that “Toyota is not stopping, lagging, or preventing (electric cars)”.

On the 10th October, at the Australian Financial Reviews Energy Summit, the CEOs of Australia’s largest electricity suppliers gave their views on the progress of the energy transition. Alinta Energy CEO Jeff Dimery stated that there is a continued role for coal and gas in the energy mix, appearing to suggest that alternatives were unachievable. Origin Energy CEO Frank Calabria appeared to agree, stating that ‘reliable energy’ will need to stay until new sources of reliable energy are built.

On the 20th September, AGL released its submission on the Safeguard Mechanism Reforms, in which it appeared to strongly support the policy. AGL appeared to be supportive of the reforms, including declining baselines and the removal of ‘headroom'. AGL also called for the new Safeguard Credit database (SMC’s) to be publicly available, and did not support tailored treatment to emissions intensive facilities within the policy.

On the 27th September, Woodside released its submission on the Safeguard Mechanism Reform, in which it appeared to support the proposed reforms with major exceptions. While the company supported declining baselines and the removal of ‘headroom’, it also supported the ability for Safeguard facilities to generate Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU’s) without stressing the need to avoid double counting. Woodside also advocated for provisions for emissions intensive trade exposed (EITE) industries, but stated it should be through financial assistance rather than through direct provisions in the policy.

In an August 2022 Mining Weekly article, Queensland Resources Council CEO, Ian Macfarlane, supported the development of new fossil gas projects in Queensland. Macfarlane emphasized the importance of fossil gas in the energy transition without referencing carbon capture and storage, or methane emissions mitigations, alongside gas deployment.