Woodside’s leadership on Myanmar, others must follow

In response to the decision by Woodside today to reduce its presence in Myanmar and de-mobilise it offshore operations, advocacy coalition Publish What You Pay Australia is calling for other extractive companies to follow Woodside’s leadership and support the people of Myanmar.

The Australian government should also follow this lead and support targeted sanctions against the military generals and their families.

Woodside has been active in Myanmar since at least 2013 with interests in several offshore gas blocks. This includes the A6 block which once in production would have provided taxes, royalties and between 15% and 20% of gas produced in cash payments to the now military controlled Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE).

The Australian Director of anti-corruption coalition, Publish What You Pay, Clancy Moore made the following statements:

“We welcome Woodside’s decision today to withdraw from Myanmar following considerable pressure from Australian and Myanmar civil society over the last week.”

“Any mining, gas or oil company operating in Myanmar is at risk of legitimizing the rule of the Myanmar military. Offshore gas is a major source of wealth for Myanmar which will now flow to the generals.”

“We call on other gas and mining companies to follow Woodside’s lead and choose the people of Myanmar over the military generals. This includes multinationals Chevron and Total and Australian companies Myanmar Metals, Transcontinental Group, ROC and Tap Oil.”

“Oil and gas companies that are already in production should place all cash payments into a separate account and ensure that no money flows to the Myanmar military.”

For more comments, contact Clancy Moore, 0410 508 051

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