| Australian Energy Producers | |
| Formation: | 1959 |
| Full Name: | Australian Energy Producers |
| Abbreviation: | AEP |
| Formerly: | Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) |
| Purpose: | Trade Association, Lobbying |
| Headquarters: | Canberra, Australia |
| Membership: | 200 |
| Leader Title: | Board Chair |
| Leader Name: | Meg O'Neill |
| Leader Title2: | Chief Executive |
| Leader Name2: | Samantha McCulloch |
| Website: | https://energyproducers.au/ |
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]
AEP 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.
However, AEP has faced criticism for greenwashing and prioritising industry interests over public good.[7]
The 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]
On 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.
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. 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.
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.[11]
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.[12]
Current AEP Chair and Vice Chair: