The upstream petroleum sector encompasses all the petroleum extraction activities (including exploration, development and processing) preceding the shipment of stabilised crude oil, condensate or sales gas (including liquefied natural gas (LNG)).
In Australia, upstream petroleum activities occur both onshore and offshore. Responsibility for Australia’s offshore areas beyond three nautical miles from the territorial sea baseline rests with the Australian Government, whereas onshore and as far as three nautical miles seaward of the baseline (referred to as ‘coastal waters’) petroleum operations are the responsibility of the state and territory governments.
The Department or Resources, Energy and Tourism provides the Australian Government with high-quality upstream petroleum-related policy advice. The Department, in cooperation with the states and territories, is the regulator of offshore petroleum activities.