AEP Website Blog

Coalition plan to fast-track oil and gas projects a welcome step for energy security

Australian Energy Producers — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Australian Energy Producers welcomes Opposition Leader Angus Taylor’s commitment to introduce faster approvals for oil and gas projects to help deliver secure and affordable energy to Australian households and businesses.

Gas tax proposal would make Australia “uninvestable” and threaten future energy supply, report finds

Australian Energy Producers — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Imposing an additional 25 per cent tax on Australia’s oil and gas industry would make new projects uninvestable, drive investment offshore and put future energy supply at risk, new analysis from Wood Mackenzie shows.

Australians back accelerated energy development to strengthen fuel security

Australian Energy Producers — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

New polling shows Australians are overwhelmingly concerned about fuel security and rising energy costs, with strong support for accelerating domestic energy development to improve self-sufficiency.

Faster approvals critical to realising Queensland’s Taroom Trough opportunity

Australian Energy Producers — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

The Queensland Government’s welcome plan to unlock the Taroom Trough represents a significant opportunity to strengthen Australia’s fuel security and economic resilience.

Samantha McCulloch address to the 2026 Australian Domestic Gas Outlook Conference

Australian Energy Producers — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Step on the gas: How gas market reform can unlock supply and restore investment confidence

Greens’ reckless gas tax is an attack on Australia’s energy security and affordability

Australian Energy Producers — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch has warned a Greens-led push in the Senate today for higher taxes on the gas industry is a direct threat to Australia’s energy security that will stop much-needed investment in new oil and gas supply and drive-up energy costs.

Ms McCulloch said the disinformation campaign from the Greens and other anti-gas groups needed to be called out for what it is – a reckless push to shut down Australia’s gas industry at a time when energy security and cost-of-living pressures should be the focus for all parliamentarians.

“It is no coincidence that the loudest voices calling for more taxes on the gas industry are the same voices trying to shut the industry down — a position that would lead to less supply, higher prices and significant economic damage,” Ms McCulloch said.

“At a time of global instability and tightening energy markets, the priority should be strengthening energy security — not hitting an essential industry with more taxes.

“The facts are that the oil and gas industry is already Australia’s second-largest corporate taxpayer, contributing $21.9 billion in taxes and royalties last year alone.”

Ms McCulloch said the Greens’ push for a 25 per cent additional tax would push effective tax rates to around 80 to 90 per cent for some companies, destroying Australia’s ability to compete for global investment.

“No business would be able to operate under those conditions — and the result would be investment and jobs going offshore, less domestic gas supply and higher energy costs for Australian households and businesses.

Ms McCulloch said the global energy crisis reinforced the importance of being self-sufficient in meeting our energy needs, and the strategic and economic importance of Australia’s abundant gas resources.

“Australia’s domestic gas market is currently well supplied, with prices at their lowest in years despite surging international oil and gas prices. We cannot take this for granted.

“Targeting gas exports with higher taxes in the grip of a global energy crisis would send a damaging message to our trade partners that we rely on for essential fuel imports, and destroy Australia’s reputation as a reliable energy supplier.

“The Federal Government must rule out any new taxes on Australian gas producers — anything less sends a clear signal that Australia is closed for business.”

GSOO confirms strong supply outlook but highlights need for continued investment

Australian Energy Producers — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The latest Gas Statement of Opportunities (GSOO) confirms Australia’s east coast gas market remains well supplied in the near term but makes clear that ongoing investment in new gas supply is critical to avoid shortfalls from 2030.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the improved outlook reinforces the importance of stable and competitive policy and tax settings, warning that imposing higher taxes on the gas industry would undermine investment and future supply.

“Imposing punitive and retrospective new taxes on the gas industry would stop investment in new gas supply at exactly the time it is needed most,” Ms McCulloch said.

“That means less gas, tighter markets, higher energy prices and more cost-of-living pressure on Australian households, businesses and manufacturers. It would also put Australian jobs and industries at risk by undermining the reliable and affordable energy they depend on.

“While global gas prices have surged Australian gas prices remain stable and comparatively low — highlighting the strategic advantage Australia enjoys as a result of its abundant gas resources.”

Ms McCulloch said the improved supply outlook means Australian governments and industry have time to work together to ensure the east coast reservation policy is properly designed and supports a competitive gas market with increased investment certainty.

“At a time of unprecedented volatility and disruptions in global oil and gas markets, the focus must be on encouraging investment in new gas supply — not introducing new taxes that will deter investment and leave Australia exposed to future energy shocks,” she said.

“The GSOO makes clear that without continued investment in new supply, Australia risks avoidable shortfalls and higher prices in the year ahead.

“Now more than ever, stable and competitive policy and tax settings are essential to unlocking that investment and securing reliable and affordable energy for Australians.”

Singapore deal highlights strategic importance of LNG exports for Australia’s energy security

Australian Energy Producers — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Today’s joint statement between Australia and Singapore on fuel security is a timely reminder that Australia’s natural gas exports play an essential role in Australia and the region’s energy security, through the mutual assurance of trade in gas, liquid fuels, and other critical products.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said the joint statement highlights the strategic importance of Australia’s gas industry to Australia’s energy security and economic strength, and why imposing a massive new tax on the gas industry at a time of unprecedented global volatility would undermine regional energy stability.

“This agreement shows how critical Australian gas and LNG are to regional energy security — and why we must not undermine investment through higher taxes or policy uncertainty,” Ms McCulloch said.

“At a time when nations are considering restricting fuel exports, Australia’s role as a stable and trusted energy supplier has never been more important.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong today agreed to support the flow of liquid fuels, LNG other essential goods between our countries.

Ms McCulloch said LNG exports support key partners while strengthening Australia’s access to global energy markets.

“The fact Australia can use LNG to help secure fuel imports shows just how strategically important Australia’s gas resources are.

“Higher taxes on the gas industry will deter new supply, increase the risk of shortfalls, and ultimately drive-up energy prices. They will leave Australia more exposed in the event of future energy shocks.

“You cannot strengthen energy security and regional stability while actively undermining investment in the very industry that delivers it. These proposals would cause lasting damage to Australia’s reputation as a reliable energy partner.”

The Prime Minister should immediate rule out imposing a massive, punitive tax on Australia’s third largest export industry.

Earlier today at the National Press Club, International Energy Agency Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol cautioned against abrupt changes to tax settings for the gas industry, warning countries like Australia to be “very careful” about sudden shifts that could undermine investment confidence.

He said policymakers should carefully consider what such changes mean for future investment decisions.

SA petroleum industry congratulates re-elected Malinauskas Government

Australian Energy Producers — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

South Australia’s oil and gas industry congratulates Premier Peter Malinauskas on his re-election and looks forward to working with his government on ensuring natural gas continues to play a central role in the state’s economic growth and energy security.

Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said Premier Malinauskas recognised the importance of natural gas to the state’s economy and energy system, and in driving growth in manufacturing industries.

“The SA Government, led by Premier Malinauskas and Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, understands that natural gas is also central to South Australia’s energy and industrial transformation agenda,” Ms McCulloch said.

“Ensuring reliable supply of liquid fuels remains critical to South Australia’s mining, agriculture and freight sectors, particularly during periods of energy system stress.”

“At a time of ongoing cost-of-living pressures and an increasingly complex energy transition, policy certainty and investment in natural gas and petroleum are essential to maintaining energy security and powering economic growth.”

Ms McCulloch said natural gas underpinned the reliability of SA’s electricity network, and provided a practical and immediate pathway to reduce emissions in existing industries.

“The recent agreement between the SA Government and Santos to supply 200 petajoules of gas over 10 years to underpin the Whyalla Steelworks transformation is a clear example of the central role of gas in powering the next generation of manufacturing in the state,” she said.

The SA gas industry contributes more than $8 billion a year to the state’s economy and supports more than 14,000 jobs.

Recent pressures across global energy markets highlight the importance of maintaining adequate supply of both natural gas and essential fuels such as diesel to safeguard against shortages and ensure continuity for industry and regional communities.

Australian Energy Producers’policy platformhighlights the opportunity for natural gas to drive growth in the state’s manufacturing industries, reinforcing its importance to SA’s economic prosperity, energy security, and decarbonisation.

New gas tax proposal threatens Australia’s future energy security

Australian Energy Producers — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Reports that the Federal Government is considering imposing even higher taxes on Australia’s gas industry would leave Australia more exposed to future energy shocks, Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said.

“This would be the worst possible time for Australia’s economy and energy security to impose a new, retrospective tax on an essential energy sector,” Ms McCulloch said.

“Imposing higher taxes on Australian gas producers would stop investment in new gas supply, leading to gas shortfalls, higher energy prices, and the closure of Australian industries that rely on reliable and affordable gas.”

“The current surging petrol and diesel prices in Australia underscore just how important it is that we ensure Australia remains able to meet its own gas needs through secure domestic supply.

“While international gas prices have surged, Australian gas prices remain relatively low, and the market is well-supplied. We should not take this for granted.”

Ms McCulloch said the Middle East conflict also highlighted Australia’s co-dependency with our regional neighbours for energy and food security.

“Australia’s role in regional and global energy security has never been more important. Australia’s reliable gas supply to the region underpins the energy security of key trade partners, and in turn Australia depends on imported fuels and other essential imports from the region,” she said.

Ms McCulloch called on the Government to rule out any new taxes on gas producers.

“The Australian gas industry is already Australia’s second largest corporate taxpayer, contributing $21.9 billion in taxes and royalties in 2024–25 alone,” she said.

“As we navigate the current global energy crisis, the Government should be working with the gas industry on how to ensure Australians continue to have reliable and affordable gas supply, and remain resilient to future shocks.

“Australia is already struggling to compete for investment in gas supply projects as a result of regulatory uncertainty, high taxes, approval delays and unchecked activism. Further retrospective tax changes would send a damaging message that Australia is closed for business.”