Esso Australia’s Socioeconomic Team has led a strategic transformation of the company’s consultation practices as it continues gas production and prepares for Australia’s largest offshore decommissioning campaign. The scale and complexity of these activities required an engagement model that went beyond previous consultation. In response, the team overhauled Esso’s consultation methodology, tools and reporting processes to deliver a more transparent, consistent and socially responsive approach. Key improvements included the introduction of a digital Consultation Hub, a tailored questionnaire to capture stakeholder priorities, a centralised stakeholder database and automated reporting software for Environment Plans. These tools enabled a shift from ad hoc interactions to a sustainable, technology-supported engagement model. In-person consultation also evolved through structured Community Information Sessions and visual storytelling tools. The shift has delivered measurable results and directly supported the acceptance of multiple regulatory approvals, including Environment Plans, an EPBC referral and a Marine and Coastal Act approval. Stronger relationships were built with key groups such as commercial fishers in Lakes Entrance and Corner Inlet and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation. Internally, improvements to governance, reporting, communications and early project involvement strengthened consistency and efficiency across operations. Esso’s experience demonstrates how consultation, when resourced and embedded early, can evolve from a compliance obligation into an organisational capability that supports regulatory success and social licence.
Sandeman et al. (Wed,) studied this question.