Media release: Innovation, Opportunity and Security on the agenda as Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition opens in Brisbane

More than 2,000 delegates will convene in Brisbane today for the opening of the 2025 Australian Energy Producers Conference and Exhibition – the oil and gas industry’s flagship annual event that will help shape Australia’s energy future at a time of global transformation and opportunity.

Under the theme ‘The Energy Edge | Innovation, Opportunity, Security’, the three-day event brings together leading voices across the energy spectrum including global industry leaders, investors, energy and climate specialists, key stakeholders, and political and government representatives.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the conference provides an opportunity for industry to shape the agenda for Australia’s energy future in the wake of a defining federal election result and the start of a new Parliamentary term.

“The new political landscape presents opportunities for industry to work with the Government and Opposition to secure enduring energy and regulatory policy reform for Australia’s long-term energy security and economic growth,” Ms McCulloch said.

“A priority for the next parliamentary term must be removing barriers to gas development, implementing key actions from the Future Gas Strategy, and addressing the delays and uncertainty in Australia’s environmental approvals system.

“As highlighted in a new report by Wood Mackenzie, Australia’s international competitiveness is at risk if we fail to act with urgency to address the barriers to investment.

“The challenges and opportunities facing Australia’s energy future will be key themes at this year’s conference that will see industry and political figures lead important conversations on the energy transformation.”

The event’s lead address will be given today by former Australian Ambassador to the United States The Honourable Ambassador Joe Hockey who will offer his unique insights on the rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape and what US President Donald Trump’s reform agenda means for Australia.

The program features energy industry leaders including Australian Energy Producers Chair and Woodside Energy Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Meg O’Neill along with political leaders including Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King, Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki, and Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro MLA.

The Technical & Business program includes a line-up of 120+ presenters, and reflects the challenges, opportunities and strategic priorities for Australia’s oil and gas sector, with presenters sharing their cutting-edge research.

Australian Energy Producers Queensland Director Keld Knudsen said it is fitting the conference will take place in Queensland, a state that runs on natural gas and is keeping the lights on for millions of homes on the east coast.

“Natural gas provides 20 per cent of the state’s primary energy needs, contributes $25 billion a year to the state economy and supports more than 57,000 jobs across the state,” Mr Knudsen said.

Media contact: 0434 631 511