15 August, 2015
Australia’s petroleum industry offers a diverse range of opportunities for overseas investors.
This guide highlights some of the key legal issues associated with a petroleum project of which investors should be aware. These issues often become apparent when an investor conducts due diligence with a view to acquiring petroleum assets and interests, or seeks to raise funds for petroleum projects in debt or capital markets.
The guide discusses:
- Laws made by the State,Territory and Commonwealth Governments in relation to petroleum and the right to explore for and produce petroleum, both onshore and offshore;
- the different regulatory approvals required for petroleum projects, including petroleum titles, land access rights and environmental approvals;
- the different activities investors in petroleum projects may undertake, such as exploration or production, or building petroleum infrastructure;
- the most appropriate ways to structure petroleum interests, either through a company or joint venture;
- tax implications of an investment in petroleum activities, including the implications of double taxation agreements with other Governments;
- land access issues including possible compensation payments to private owners;
- complying with native title and cultural heritage laws;
- workplace health and safety issues relating to petroleum projects;
- competition issues and access to major infrastructure services; and
- regulation of foreign investment in Australia’s petroleum sector.
To access the full guide, please click here.
For further information, please contact:
Geoff Gishubl, Partner, Ashurst
geoff.gishubl@ashurst.com
