The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) has appointed two new directors.
Mr Chris Lamont has commenced work as the new Director Government Relations Eastern Australia, while Matthew Doman has settled into his new role as the Director South Australia and Northern Territory.
APPEA Chief Executive, Malcolm Roberts, said Mr Lamont would lead APPEA’s engagement and advocacy in eastern Australia, with priority given to supporting the Queensland industry.
“The oil and gas industry is vital for eastern Australia. Not only does it provide a safe, clean and reliable energy source for industry and millions of households, the recent investment of $70billion in new projects in Queensland will help Australia become the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter by 2018.
“APPEA is committed to promoting a greater understanding of the economic, environmental and energy security benefits of Australia’s oil and gas industry.”
Mr Roberts said that Mr Lamont brings a broad experience in industry associations, federal government and business to APPEA.
Mr Lamont’s most recent roles include Executive Director and Deputy to the CEO at the Barangaroo Delivery Authority.
He also has experience in government with previous roles including senior public servant, ministerial adviser and chief of staff.
“Chris has considerable experience in policy development and advocacy and is credited with the design and delivery of a number of significant Commonwealth housing and infrastructure initiatives,” Mr Roberts said.
The other new appointment, Matthew Doman, as the Director South Australia and Northern Territory, has also been welcomed by Mr Roberts.
Mr Roberts said Mr Doman would lead APPEA’s engagement and advocacy in SA and the NT where the oil and gas industry had tremendous prospects for growth.
“A recent study by Deloittes Access Economics confirms that a successful shale gas industry in the NT could eventually create more than 6,000 jobs and boost government revenue by as much as $460m a year. South Australia has equally exciting possibilities with onshore gas development and offshore petroleum exploration,” Mr Roberts said.
“Matt Doman has a strong connection to SA and the NT and extensive experience in the oil and gas industry.
Mr Doman has worked around Australia and overseas as a journalist, served as a press secretary to federal Cabinet Ministers and, for eight years, has held senior roles in corporate affairs at Santos.
In recent years, Mr Doman has been particularly focused on Santos’ projects in the Cooper Basin and the NT. He has been closely involved with industry, government and regional communities in SA and the NT.
Mr Doman said, “These are challenging times for the oil and gas industry, but the continued safe, sustainable development of Australia’s natural resources will bring enormous benefits to the communities where those resources are found.
“I look forward to working with government, communities, industry and all other interested stakeholders in SA and the NT to build a better understanding of our industry’s benefits and impacts.”
Mr Doman’s appointment follows the retirement of APPEA’s NT Director Steven Gerhardy last month.
