Natural Resources and Energy Regulation in Australia: The Energy White Paper in Context

Abstract

The fragmented and complex nature of the regulation of resource exploration, extraction and production in Australia, coupled with the seemingly constant changing face of Australian politics in recent years, poses unique challenges for policy makers and industry alike, despite relatively free and open trade in natural resources. Addressing the nation’s energy security needs means balancing Australia’s interests as a major global energy exporter against domestic consumption requirements and pricing pressures while securing long-term energy sustainability. Australia’s current energy policy agenda, recently outlined in the federal government’s Energy White Paper, attempts to strike this balance, but does more in the way of demonstrating the challenges than addressing them.