MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 5th August 2025

AEIC 2024 Report Highlights Role in Supporting a Smoother, Fairer Energy Transition

The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner’s (AEIC) 2024 Annual Report has been tabled in the Australian Parliament, outlining the Office’s work to support communities, industry and governments through the energy transition. Covering 1 January to 31 December 2024, the report details the AEIC’s efforts to improve community engagement, promote transparency and highlight best practice across large‑scale energy projects.

Commissioner Tony Mahar, who commenced in the role on 19 December 2024, acknowledged the leadership of former Commissioner Andrew Dyer and Acting Commissioner John Sheldon during the reporting year.

“This report reflects a year of transition not just for Australia’s energy system, but for the AEIC itself,” Commissioner Mahar said.

“Communities across Australia are raising important questions about the pace and scale of new energy infrastructure. My role, and the role of this Office, is to help make the energy shift smoother and fairer by ensuring communities are heard and supported as projects are developed.”

Key highlights from the 2024 Annual Report:

  • 1,000‑case milestone: The Office recorded its 1,000th case since 2015, handling 155 cases in 2024 – making it the third busiest year on record.
  • Extensive engagement: More than 330 stakeholder meetings were held, including on‑the‑ground engagement with landholders, community members, government, industry, and First Nations groups across Australia.
  • Leadership transition: Commissioner Mahar commenced in the role, succeeding interim Commissioner John Sheldon and inaugural Commissioner Andrew Dyer.
  • Community Engagement Review: The Australian Government formally accepted all nine recommendations from the Review, with more than 140 actions underway to embed best practice across jurisdictions.
  • Building capability: the Office of the AEIC is fully staffed to continue delivering community engagement and support for communities affected by the energy transition.

Mr Mahar said the AEIC would continue to highlight best practice where it occurs, call out poor behaviour when necessary, and help drive accountability to ensure the energy transition is conducted fairly and that communities hosting energy infrastructure are engaged, listened to and see long term benefit.

The 2024 Annual Report is available at: www.aeic.gov.au/publications/2024-annual-report

About the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner

The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC) is an independent non statutory role helping to make the energy shift smoother and fairer. The Office responds to complaints, facilitates constructive direct dialogue on the issues raised, and advises on best practice for large-scale energy projects such as wind farms, solar farms, transmission lines and storage.

More: www.aeic.gov.au/about