Quarterlytics / Communication Services / Oil & Gas Equipment & Services / Senex Energy Ltd / FY2020 Annual Report

Senex Energy Ltd
Annual Report 2020

SXY · ASX Communication Services
Claim this profile
Ticker SXY
Exchange ASX
Sector Communication Services
Industry Oil & Gas Equipment & Services
Employees 51-200
← All annual reports
FY2020 Annual Report · Senex Energy Ltd
Loading PDF…
Annual Report 2020

GAS FOR 
AUSTRALIAN 
INDUSTRY

About this report

This Annual Report is a summary of Senex’s operations, activities 
and financial position for the year ended 30 June 2020. It 
complies with Australian reporting requirements. Senex Energy 
Limited (ABN 50 008 942 827) is a company limited by shares 
and is incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Senex Energy 
Limited is the parent company of the Senex consolidated 
group of companies. Unless otherwise stated, in this report all 
references to Senex, the Group, the company, we, us and our, 
refer to Senex Energy Limited and its controlled entities as a 
whole. References to 2020, the financial year or FY are to the 
year ended 30 June unless stated otherwise. All dollar figures are 
expressed in Australian currency unless otherwise stated. 

An electronic version of this report is available at 
www.senexenergy.com.au/investors/Company-reports. In 
consideration of the environmental footprint associated with the 
production of the Annual Report, printed copies will be posted 
only to shareholders who have made this request. 

Report objectives

This Annual Report is provided for the benefit of all Senex’s 
stakeholders, as a clear and concise summary of our performance 
during the 2020 financial year and outlook for the year ahead. It 
meets our compliance and governance requirements. Through 
this report, we aim to build awareness of our operations and 
demonstrate how we delivered on our purpose and mission 
while maintaining our values and commitment to sustainability. 

Corporate governance statement

Senex’s Corporate Governance Statement discloses the 
extent to which Senex has complied with the ASX Corporate 
Governance Council’s ‘Corporate Governance Principles & 
Recommendations – 3rd edition’. This statement is available at 
www.senexenergy.com.au/about/corporate-governance.

Qualified reserves and resources evaluator statement

Information about Senex’s reserves and resources estimates are 
as reported in our reserves statement release to the ASX dated 
14 July 2020. This information, repeated in this document, has 
been compiled in accordance with the definitions and guidelines 
of the 2018 SPE PRMS. This information is based on, and 
fairly represents, information and supporting documentation 
prepared by, or under the supervision of, a qualified petroleum 
reserves and resources evaluator, Peter Mills BEng (Electronics). 
Mr Mills (Chief Operating Officer) is a member of the Society of 
Petroleum Engineers and a full-time employee of Senex. Mr Mills 
consents to the inclusion of the information in the form and 
context in which it appears in this Annual Report. In compiling 
this information, Senex engaged the services of Netherland 
Sewell & Associates (NSAI) and DeGolyer and MacNaughton 
(D&M) to assess the data and reserves and resources 
independently prior to Senex reporting its reserves estimates.

Annual General Meeting: Thursday, 19 November 2020.

Cover photo: Tom Wimberly at CSR’s Oxley brick plant in 
Brisbane, which uses natural gas supplied by Senex

Contents

Overview 
About Senex and 
where we operate 

Purpose, mission and values 

Strategy  

Performance highlights 

Year of production 
outperformance 

Message from the Chairman 
and the Managing Director 
and Chief Executive  

Leadership team 

Financial review 

Operating review 
Reserves and resources  

1

2

3

4

6

8

10

12

16
24

Sustainability review 
Safe and secure 

Environmentally responsible  

Capable people  

Community partner 

Board of Directors 

Risk management 

Directors' Report  
Remuneration Report  

Financial statements 

Additional information 
Tenement interests 

Shareholder statistics  

Voting rights 

Five-year history 

Glossary  

Corporate directory  

26
28

32

36

38

46

48

50
56

73

124
124

128

129

130

132

136

OVERVIEW     1

About Senex and 
where we work

Senex is a growing 
Australian oil and natural 
gas explorer, developer 
and producer. 

We manage a strategically 
positioned portfolio of oil and natural 
gas assets in Australia’s leading 
onshore energy regions: the Surat 
and Cooper basins.  

Through our foundational Surat 
Basin natural gas projects, we are 
helping to meet the energy challenge 
on the east coast of Australia. 

Senex is focused on creating 
sustainable value for shareholders 
by leveraging our capability as a 
low-cost, efficient and safe explorer, 
developer and producer.

GAS PRODUCTIONGemba field100% owner operatorGAS EXPLORATIONArtemisExploration start FY22-23100% owner operatorGAS PRODUCTIONAtlas100% owner operatorGAS PRODUCTIONRoma North100% owner operatorOIL APPRAISAL ANDPRODUCTIONCooper Basin western flank60% owner operatorSEISMICWesteros 3Dseismic survey100% owner operatorMOUNT ISABARCALDINEGLADSTONEBRISBANEHEAD OFFICEROMA OFFICEWANDOAN OFFICEGROWLERFIELD OFFICECOOPER BASINSURAT BASINADELAIDE OFFICEBLACKALLSYDNEYMELBOURNEWALLUMBILLA• Pelican Point Power StationMOOMBARefer to page 20 for a detailed map of Roma North and Project Atlas.Major facilitySenex officeTown/cityMajor pipelineSenex acreageCooper BasinSurat Basin2      OVERVIEW

Purpose, mission and values

Our committed and capable people, and our strong values 
and culture, form our foundation for success.

Our purpose

A growing and independent company, providing oil and gas to improve lives and support the energy needs of Australia and the world

Our mission

•  we protect our people and the environment
•  we build quality relationships with our customers, partners and stakeholders
•  we deliver what we promise
•  we attract and retain talented people with drive and energy
•  we create value for our investors

Our values

Protecting our 
people and the 
environment

Integrity in 
everything 
we do

Striving for  
excellence

Winning 
together

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OVERVIEW     3

Strategy

In 2020 Senex delivered on the promise to transform itself 
into a diversified oil and gas producer and an important 
supplier of natural gas to the east coast market.

We are successfully increasing the supply of natural 
gas on the east coast and playing a vital role in the 
broader economy.

We are, as the title of this Annual Report says, providing gas 
for Australian industry, supporting manufacturing and jobs. 

Our rapid increase in production means we are doing 
this at scale. Our newly expanded Surat Basin operations 
are capable of supplying more than 10 per cent of 
Queensland’s domestic gas demand. 

That is before growth from incremental investments that 
will further leverage our “hub-and-spoke” infrastructure 
model. The first expansion is already planned at Roma 
North - an example of our high-return, low-cost and 
long-life investment model. 

Senex is developing further opportunities to expand 
production, earnings and cashflow, and our track record 
shows we have the capabilities to turn these into reality.

Safe, efficient, 
low-cost 
operations

• strong, stable free 

cashflow

• balance sheet strength
• low-cost operations

Expand and 
accelerate

• low-risk, high-return 
growth from existing 
portfolio

• leverage best-in-class 
project execution and 
operating capabilities

Grow and 
diversify

• disciplined review and 
capture of Australian 
growth opportunities
• build diversified portfolio 

of quality and scale

• focus on core 
capabilities

Sustainability   |   Values and Culture

“Senex has a very exciting future. We are a 
material new entrant in a strong domestic 
market with high barriers to entry, we are 
increasing the supply of natural gas on the 
east coast to help our manufacturing sector, 
and we are here for the long term.”

Senex Managing Director 
Ian Davies 

Focus on free cashflow

Senex reviewed its strategy to ensure our objectives remain 
appropriate and are aligned with our capabilities. 

We tested the strategy against a range of scenarios including the 
prolonged impact of COVID-19 and a steep oil price decline. We 
are confident that it remains valid. 

Our strategy is to remain an oil and gas exploration and production 
business, featuring a mix of products, basins and customers. 

In the short-term, with our capital expenditure program complete, 
we are focused on maximising the generation of free cashflow. 
This will enable us to consider capital management and continue 
pursuing growth opportunities with discipline.

We will continue to execute our strategy while being mindful 
of the expectations of our stakeholders, particularly in safety, 
environment, community and sustainability. 

4      OVERVIEW

Performance highlights

Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate
(per million hours worked)

Production
(mmboe)

Net 1P reserves
(mmboe)

Net 2P reserves
(mmboe)

8.66

7%

9.36

8.8

1.20

0.84

0.75

1.01

4.0

1.8

2.08

73%

38.6

100%

134.4

19%

19.3

20.2

16.7

12.1

111.6

113.2

83.9

83.4

Senex transformed itself 
into an important producer 
of natural gas to the east 
coast market in 2020. 
Outstanding project delivery 
led to a major upgrade to 
our Surat Basin reserves and 
a step-change in production, 
earnings and cashflow.

Senex’s overall safety performance 
improved slightly following an 
increased focus on safety culture, 
hazard identification, personal risk 
assessment and contractor safety 
management. Six recordable injuries 
occurred in the financial year, 
contributing to a TRIFR of 8.66 based 
on one million exposure hours. 

Total production increased 73 per cent, 
primarily due to strong production 
performance across Senex’s Surat 
Basin assets. 

Senex delivered a major reserves 
upgrade following outstanding 
execution of our Surat Basin natural 
gas developments. Our net 1P reserves 
position increased 100%. 

Senex’s 2P reserves position increased 
19 per cent*, driven by excellent 
appraisal and development drilling results 
at Atlas and continued production 
outperformance at Roma North.  

Note:  See Senex’s reserves statement released 
to the ASX on 14 July 2020.

Note:  See Senex’s reserves statement released 
to the ASX on 14 July 2020.

* 

 In converting petajoules to million barrels of oil equivalent, Senex has applied the conversion rate of 1 mmboe = 5.815 PJ. In converting million barrels of oil equivalent to petajoule equivalent for oil and gas 
liquids, Senex has applied the inverse conversion rate of 1 PJ = 0.172 mmboe, recognising that gas liquids contributions are immaterial. For the purpose of comparative assessment of FY20 and FY19 conversions, 
a constant conversion factor of 1 mmboe = 5.815 PJ has been applied (previously 1 mmboe = 5.880 PJ in FY19), resulting in a minor movement in FY19 mmboe 2P reserves. Refer to the announcement of 
20 August 2019 for the independent assessment of FY19 reserves and resources.

ANNUAL REPORT 202020192018201720162020OVERVIEW     5

Sales revenue
($m)

Underlying EBITDA 
($m)

Capital expenditure
($m)

Cash position
($m)

Statutory net (loss)/profit after tax 
($m)

120.3

28%

52.5

51%

155.3

42%

94.1

34.8

109.3

43.6

70.3

69.3

(1.3)

23.0

24.9

80.1

62.3

27.8

27%

79.9

62.7

66.5

(94.0)

134.8

102.4

(51.4)

3.3

(22.7)

(33.2)

Sales revenue increased 28 per cent 
due to a significant rise in production 
at Roma North and the start of 
production from Atlas and Gemba.

Underlying EBITDA increased 
51 per cent due to a significant rise in 
gas production and sales margins and a 
continued focus on cost management 
in the Cooper Basin. 

Significant capital expenditure was 
incurred during FY20 as Senex largely 
completed its 80-well Surat Basin 
drilling campaign. Further drilling 
and exploration activity took place in 
the Cooper Basin, mostly under the 
free-carry work program agreed with 
Beach Energy.

Senex's cash position of $79.9 million 
is driven by continuing robust 
operating cashflow and debt funding 
to develop its Surat Basin assets. Senex 
also had drawn debt of $125 million, 
resulting in a net debt position of 
$45.1 million.

Statutory NPAT1 was impacted by a 
non-cash impairment of $52.1 million 
in FY20. This impairment related 
primarily to non-core producing assets 
and capitalised exploration activity in 
the Cooper Basin. 

1   (Loss)/profit after tax reported 

in the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

201920182017201620206      OVERVIEW

A year of production outperformance

2020 was a year of production outperformance in the 
Surat Basin. Outstanding execution of Senex’s flagship 
natural gas developments drove a major reserves upgrade.

31 July
First Atlas 
well spudded 

1 July
Production 
at ~8 TJ/day

3 September
Announced first wells 
tied into Roma North 
processing facility

3 October
Atlas pipeline 
completed

8 October
Announced 
first production 
from Atlas wells

10 December
Atlas achieves first 
gas sales ahead 
of schedule

J U L   1 9

A U G   1 9

S E P   1 9

O C T   1 9

N O V   1 9

D E C   1 9

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OVERVIEW     7

10 June
 Transformational $400 million 
Surat Basin natural gas 
development project completed

30 June
Surat Basin 
production reaches 
35 TJ/day

22 January
Surat Basin 
gas production 
reaches 20 TJ/day

21 February
Three-quarters of 
80-well campaign 
completed

16 April
Surat Basin 
production 
reaches 30 TJ/day

17 April
Roma North gas 
processing facility hits 
maximum capacity

J A N   2 0

F E B   2 0

M A R   2 0

A P R   2 0

M A Y   2 0

J U N   2 0

8      OVERVIEW

Message from the Chairman and 
the Managing Director and Chief Executive 

Senex made its mark in the industry in 2020 with 
outstanding project delivery, a major upgrade to 
our reserves and a step-change in production 
and material operating cashflow. Importantly, 
we achieved our promised transformation 
into an important producer of natural gas to 
the east coast market, with our increasing gas 
supplies supporting manufacturing and jobs and 
contributing to Australia’s economic recovery.

Energy upheaval

The environment in which we operate has been subject to major 
upheaval during 2020. 

COVID-19 has dramatically changed the world, presenting 
extraordinary health and economic challenges that have flowed 
into energy markets. Demand for oil plummeted, a situation made 
worse by the abandonment of oil production cuts at the OPEC+ 
meeting in early March. The price of Brent plummeted to below 
US$20 a barrel in April and stabilised at above US$40 as demand 
gradually rebounded and producers curtailed output.

The International Monetary Fund is predicting that the global 
economy will rebound in 2021, putting upward pressure on oil 
prices, but it is likely that we face a lengthy period of lower prices. 
Domestically, spot prices in the east coast gas market, which are 
influenced by regional LNG prices, have fallen from above A$6 a 
gigajoule to around A$4.

The availability, affordability and sustainability of natural gas, and 
energy more broadly, has maintained its high profile in federal 
and state politics. The Federal Government started the year by 
committing to facilitate the injection of more gas into the east 
coast market, in line with its agreement with NSW as the first of 

many with the states and territories. Gas subsequently became 
front and centre of federal politics when the National COVID-19 
Commission Advisory Body called for gas to power an economic 
recovery led by manufacturing. Amid related debate about the 
affordability of gas, energy companies including Senex stated 
publicly that increased supplies rely on a stable regulatory regime 
and reasonable prices that support capital investment. 

We continue to welcome the policy in Queensland that facilitates 
investments such as our Atlas development. The increase in the 
royalty rate was surprising and government and industry have 
now resolved this in a way that will support continued investment.

Performance

Despite the lower oil price environment, Senex performed well 
in 2020 with a strong balance sheet, diversified revenue streams 
and a low-cost business model that delivers material operating 
cashflow. The resilience of our oil and gas portfolio is underlined 
by our generation of revenue from fixed-price domestic gas 
contracts, oil-linked gas contracts and oil production with 
significant downside hedging. 

Senex also has strong liquidity, with cash reserves of 
$79.9 million, drawn debt of $125 million and with our Surat 
Basin capital expenditure program complete. 

Senex and our contractor partners had an outstanding year of 
project delivery, primarily through execution of our $400 million 
Surat Basin gas developments. We delivered these projects 
ahead of schedule and below budget. Our outstanding project 
execution resulted in a 30-well reduction from the original design 
of the drilling campaign and a major reserves upgrade. 

We also achieved full-year production growth of 73 per cent, 
underpinned by a 278 per cent increase in Surat Basin gas 
production, with Roma North and Atlas producing a combined 
35 terajoules (TJ) a day by the end of the financial year as we 
track towards initial nameplate capacity of 48 TJ a day.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OVERVIEW     9

Excellent drilling results and continued production 
outperformance contributed to a 108 per cent increase in 
1P Surat Basin gas reserves and a 21 per cent increase in 
2P reserves. 

In the Cooper Basin, we achieved initial production from the 
Gemba field, completed the free-carry drilling campaign and 
interpreted the Westeros 3D survey, providing a large inventory of 
exploration and appraisal leads to pursue.

Domestic gas market

The success of our Atlas gas marketing activities – with gas sales 
agreements now in place for up to 37 petajoules – demonstrate 
that the east coast market is working. We are also contributing 
to local manufacturing, jobs and investment and providing gas 
security to Australian commercial and industrial customers.

Senex’s Surat Basin gas production is fully contracted for the 
2020 calendar year and about 80 per cent is under contract 
through to the end of calendar year 2021 to high-quality local 
customers. In December 2019 we expanded our gas sales 
agreement with the packaging manufacturer Orora, agreeing to 
supply up to 13.2 petajoules until 2027. In May we signed a new 
one-year sales agreement with CleanCo for 2.55 petajoules to 
fuel gas-fired power generation in south-east Queensland.

We continue to negotiate new gas sales agreements with 
potential customers. 

Safety, sustainability and community

Despite the logistical challenges presented by COVID-19, Senex’s 
overall safety performance improved in 2020. We increased our 
focus on culture, hazard identification, personal risk assessment and 
contractor management and these efforts will continue. However, it 
is regrettable that we had six recordable injuries in 2020.

Throughout the pandemic, we focused on meeting or exceeding 
government, World Health Organisation and industry guidelines, 
and introduced a range of precautions and strict protocols to 
support communities and our people. Safety was foremost as 
our office-based employees transitioned to working from home, 
and then back to the office, with a keen focus on frequent 
communication and health, wellbeing and social connection 
enabled by technology. 

Senex maintained its strong environmental management, with 
no serious reportable environmental incidents, and we advanced 
climate change priorities as part of our commitment to be part of 
a low-carbon future. With the completion of the Atlas and Roma 
North gas developments, and our growing focus on natural gas, 
Senex is increasingly positioned to help achieve that goal. 

It is essential that we remain good neighbours in the communities 
we are part of. In 2020, we continued to contribute to those 
communities, creating local jobs, spending about $37 million 
directly with 56 businesses, and working with more than 30 
community organisations. This important work included direct 
support during COVID-19. 

Outlook

With gas processing infrastructure established at Atlas and Roma 
North, and a growing reserves base, Senex has successfully 
delivered on the foundations to achieve continued growth in 
production, earnings and cashflow from its valuable east coast 
Surat Basin natural gas position.

In the 2021 financial year we will begin to reap rewards from our 
investment in the Surat Basin, with production forecast to triple 
from 2019 levels to more than 3.6 millions barrels of oil equivalent 
in 2022 without any further investment in growth projects.

Further growth can be expected as we continue to capitalise on 
our strategic strengths within a strict capital allocation framework. 
At Roma North, contracts have been agreed to procure long-lead 
items for a 50 per cent expansion of processing capacity to 
24 terajoules a day. 

We are rapidly becoming more resilient to oil price volatility. In 
2017 oil accounted for all of Senex’s output: in 2022 we expect 
gas to make up more than 80 per cent of our production. 

Thank you

We would like to thank sincerely our wide range of partners: 
landholders and the communities we work with; contractors; 
suppliers; customers and commercial partners; joint venturers; 
government stakeholders at all levels; and our shareholders, for 
your continued support. 

Special thanks to our employees, who have demonstrated time and 
again their capacity to overcome in challenging circumstances and 
who continue to deliver for our shareholders.

Together, we have transformed Senex into an important natural gas 
producer, a supporter of the manufacturing industry, jobs and the 
broader economy.

TREVOR BOURNE 
Chairman 

IAN DAVIES 
 Managing Director and 
Chief Executive Officer

10      OVERVIEW

Leadership 
team

Ian Davies

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
BBus (Acct), CA, Cert SII (UK), MAICD, F Fin

As Managing Director and Chief Executive 
Officer, Ian is responsible for maximising the 
value of Senex through day-to-day leadership, 
management, decision making and execution 
of activities. Ian has led Senex since 2010, 
navigating the business through significant 
growth and transformation. Under Ian’s 
leadership, the Company is pursuing a long-held 
strategy to capture emerging opportunities in 
Australia’s dynamic energy sector.

In 2017, Ian was elected to the Board of the 
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration 
Association (APPEA) and in November 2019 
was appointed Vice Chairman.

Before joining Senex, Ian was influential in 
the growth of the CSG-to-LNG industry in 
Queensland as Chief Financial Officer of 
Queensland Gas Company Limited (QGC). Ian 
led the negotiation of the LNG joint venture 
transaction with BG Group and the takeover 
offer for QGC by BG Group, the largest 
on-market takeover in Australian corporate 
history at that time.

He also served as General Manager Business 
Development and General Manager Ports and 
Infrastructure, under BG Group ownership. Ian 
spent the early part of his career in corporate 
tax advisory within mining and energy with PwC 
in Brisbane and as an investment banker with 
Barclays Capital in London.

Mark McCabe 

Chief Financial Officer
BCom (Economics), CA, MBus (AppFin and Inv)

Mark is accountable for corporate finance, 
business planning, governance, risk and 
technology.

He has considerable finance and leadership 
experience in Queensland’s natural gas industry. 
Mark has held senior roles in the utilities and oil 
and gas sectors spanning finance, commercial 
management, retail operations, strategy and 
mergers and acquisitions. He joined Senex in 
December 2019.

Before joining Senex, Mark was Chief Financial 
Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of 
Australia Pacific LNG (APLNG) for 11 years.

As APLNG’s inaugural Chief Financial Officer, 
Mark played a vital role in achieving the project’s 
Final Investment Decision, a US$8.5 billion 
finance facility, an investment-grade credit rating 
and a US$4.5 billion refinancing.

Mark started his career in taxation and corporate 
finance with PwC.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OVERVIEW     11

Suzanne Hockey

Peter Mills

David Pegg

Executive General Manager People and Performance
PgD Strategic Mgmt (Distinction), ADip AppSc

Chief Operating Officer
BEng (Electronics)

Company Secretary and General Counsel
BCom, LLB, MSc

Suzanne’s area of responsibility includes 
human resources, talent management and 
organisational development.

Suzanne joined Senex in January 2016, bringing 
over 20 years of experience in organisational 
development and human resources strategies 
and processes to the role. Her career has 
predominantly involved senior roles in resources 
companies including General Manager of Human 
Resources at Oil Search Limited.

In that role, Suzanne’s portfolio included human 
resources consulting services, governance and 
performance management of a global workforce 
of more than 1,600 staff and contractors.

Prior to Oil Search, Suzanne held roles at Nautilus 
Minerals, Barrick Gold Corporation, CEC Group 
Limited and Placer Dome Gold.

As Chief Operating Officer, Peter has 
accountability for operations in the Cooper and 
Surat basins, subsurface developments, field 
development planning, exploration, production 
engineering, drilling and completions, and joint 
venture relationships. Peter is also responsible for 
overseeing the company’s digital transformation.

Peter joined Senex as Executive General Manager 
Operations and Growth in July 2018 and was 
appointed Chief Operating Officer on 13 February 
2019. Peter brings over 38 years of experience 
from domestic and international environments, 
having worked in Australia and globally across 
Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom and North 
America. He has held roles with Woodside, BHP 
Petroleum, Hess, Premier Oil and InterOil.

Peter is a petroleum engineer by training and 
has worked extensively across the upstream 
value chain including exploration, development, 
production and commercial in conventional and 
unconventional oil and gas.

David is responsible for planning, coordinating and 
advising the Board and Executive Committee on 
all Senex-related legal and governance matters. 

David is an experienced senior executive in the 
energy and resources sector with a background 
in law, corporate governance, commercial 
transactions and business development.

Before joining Senex in 2013, David served as 
General Counsel and Company Secretary at 
energy companies and prior to that, David was 
with a national law firm for 10 years.

12      FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial review

Results for the financial year

Sales revenue

EBITDA

Exploration expense

Non-cash impairment

Reported NPAT

Underlying NPAT

$ million

$ million

$ million

$ million

$ million

$ million

Oil field operating costs1

$ per barrel

Operating cashflow

Capital expenditure

Cash balance

Net (debt)/cash balance

Effective income tax rate

Earnings per share

$ million

$ million

$ million

$ million

%

cps

1.  Field operating costs excluding tariffs and royalties

Numbers may not add precisely due to rounding

2020

120.3

49.5

(2.8)

(52.1)

(51.4)

3.8

13.0

51.5

155.3

79.9

(45.1)

0%

(3.5)

2019

94.1

30.9

(11.3)

-

3.3

7.2

14.0

44.5

109.4

62.7

12.7

0%

0.2

26.2

18.5

8.5

(52.1)

(54.7)

(3.4)

(1.0)

7.0

45.9

17.2

(57.8)

-

(3.8)

28

60

75

n/a

n/a

(47)

(7)

16

42

27

n/a

-

n/a

Production volumes

2020

2019

Oil

Gas and gas liquids

Total

Gas and gas liquids

mmbbl

mmboe

mmboe

PJ

0.68

1.41

2.08

8.22

0.78

0.43

1.20

2.43

Numbers may not add precisely due to rounding

Change in 
volume

(0.10)

0.98

0.88

5.79

Change $

Change %

Comparison in production volumes (mmboe)

0.01

1.00

2016

-

0.75

2017

0.09

0.75

2018

  Oil production       

  Gas production

0.43

0.78

2019

Underlying net profit can be reconciled to statutory net (loss)/profit as follows:

FY20

(51.4)

52.1

2.6

1.3

(0.2)

(0.8)

3.8

 $ million

Statutory net (loss)/profit after tax

Add/(less):

Non-cash impairment

Restructuring

Net impact of the Beach Energy transaction

Gain on sale of Senex Pipeline & Processing Pty Ltd

Change %

COVID-19 government relief

Underlying net profit after tax

(13)

228

73

238

Numbers may not add precisely due to rounding

EBITDA can be reconciled to statutory net (loss)/profit as follows:

 $ million

Statutory net (loss)/profit after tax

Add/(less):

Net interest

Amortisation and depreciation

Non-cash impairment

EBITDA (non IFRS)

Numbers may not add precisely due to rounding

FY20

(51.4)

9.5

39.2

52.1

49.5

1.41

0.68

2020

FY19

3.3

-

2.1

1.8

-

-

7.2

FY19

3.3

0.9

26.8

-

30.9

ANNUAL REPORT 2020FINANCIAL REVIEW     13

14      FINANCIAL REVIEW

Key movements 

Sales revenue
Senex’s full-year sales revenue of $120.3 million (FY19: $94.1 million) was 28 per cent higher than the 
previous year. A substantial increase in gas production in the Surat Basin more than offset lower oil 
production and prices. In summary:

•  realised oil prices decreased to A$90 per barrel sold, including the impact of hedging 
(FY19: A$101 per barrel) following a steep decline in the Brent price in March 2020

•  oil production volumes decreased to 0.68 mmbbl (FY19: 0.78 mmbbl), with new production from 

drilling success in FY19 and FY20 on the western flank offset by natural field decline and the shut-in 
of smaller, high-cost fields nearing the end of their life, prompted by the Brent price decline 

•  realised gas prices were $7.8 per GJ sold (FY19: $7.6 per GJ sold)
•  gas production volumes were 8.2 PJ (1.41 mmboe) (FY19: 2.4 PJ or 0.43 mmboe) following the 

ramp-up at Roma North and the start of sales from the Atlas and Gemba fields

Operating costs 
Senex has continued its excellent track record as a low-cost oil and gas producer.

Oil field unit operating cost was $13.0 per barrel (FY19: $14.0 per barrel), a decrease of 7 per cent 
from 2019, despite reduced oil production. The decline in operating cost per barrel is primarily due to 
strong cost control, particularly following the decline in in Brent price from March.

Gas unit operating cost was $2.9 per GJ (FY19: $4.6 per GJ), a decrease of 37 per cent. The decline in 
operating costs per GJ is largely due to a significant increase in production from Roma North and Atlas 
and strong cost control.  

Earnings (EBITDA)
The EBITDA result of $49.5 million reflected increased gross profit from higher gas production across 
the Surat and Cooper basins, partially offset by lower oil production and pricing. EBITDA was further 
supported by a continued focus on cost control in the Cooper Basin and a transfer of $6.5 million in 
costs to interest and depreciation on the adoption of the new accounting standard, AASB 16 Leases on 
1 July 2019.

Exploration expense
The Company’s exploration expense of $2.8 million (FY19: $11.3 million) primarily reflected the 
write-off of non-commercial wells in the Cooper Basin that were drilled as part of the Beach Energy 
free-carry agreement.

Income tax expense
No income tax expense was recognised in FY20 due to carry-forward tax losses largely from our 
ongoing exploration and development program. Further details can be found in our Tax Transparency 
Report and in Note 16 to the Financial Statements.

Adoption of AASB 16 Leases
Senex adopted AASB 16 Leases on 1 July 2019. The impact of the first year of this new standard on 
the profit and loss statement was an increase in EBITDA of $6.5 million and an increase in depreciation 
and finance expenses of $11.9 million. This reduced underlying and statutory net profit after tax by 
$5.3 million. 

Financing 
Senex has now fully drawn down the $125 million senior secured Reserve Based Lending (RBL) 
facility that forms part of the $150 million senior secured debt facility completed in October 2018. 
Funds were used for the 80-well drilling campaign in Roma North and Atlas completed in June 2020. 
The RBL has a seven-year tenor, with repayment over the remaining term post completion of Atlas 
and Roma North. The facility has competitive margins, with starting interest cost of less than 6 per 
cent a year, stepping down on completion of development projects. There is no penalty for early 
repayment or refinance.

In September 2019 Senex also agreed a further $10 million working capital facility to be used for 
letters of credit and bank guarantees. This is in addition to the existing $25 million working capital limit 
agreed with the initial senior secured debt facility.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020FINANCIAL REVIEW     15

Underlying net profit reconciling items 

Underlying net profit after tax is a non-IFRS measure. Items removed from underlying net profit after 
tax follow.

Non-cash impairment
In accordance with relevant accounting standards, Senex has conducted a detailed review of asset 
carrying values at 30 June 2020, resulting in a non-cash impairment charge of $52.1 million (pre and 
post-tax).

The non-cash impairment charge is in respect of Senex’s Cooper Basin oil assets and is due to a 
material downward revision in oil price assumptions resulting from the effects of the COVID-19 
pandemic on energy market fundamentals. Senex has reduced its long-term Brent oil price assumption 
to US$62.5/bbl from FY25 (real 1 July 2020) and is forecasting a slower recovery to these levels over 
the short to medium-term.  

About two-thirds of the non-cash impairment charge relates to small, late-life non-western flank oil 
fields in the Cooper Basin, with a lack of oil transportation infrastructure and materially lower near-term 
oil price assumptions disproportionately affecting these fields’ carrying values, notwithstanding their 
cashflow positive operations. The balance of the non-cash impairment charge relates to capitalised 
Cooper Basin exploration and obsolete oil field inventory.

A breakdown of the impairment is shown below:

$ million

Oil and gas properties

Exploration assets

Property, plant and equipment, and inventory

Total 

See Note 7 to the Financial Statements for additional detail.

FY20

31.4

13.0

7.7

52.1

Net impact of the Beach Energy transaction
In April 2018 Senex entered into an agreement with Beach Energy to terminate the Senex-Beach 
Energy unconventional gas project with consideration of up to $43 million transferred as a free-carry 
commitment to the mutually owned, Senex-operated, Cooper Basin western flank oil assets. 

The net expense of $1.3 million relates to unsuccessful free-carried wells. This has been removed from 
underlying net profit to consistently present the gains and losses from the Beach Energy transaction 
period on period.

Restructuring
Following a comprehensive organisational review as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 
changed economic outlook, Senex booked a restructuring cost provision of $2.6 million in FY20. The 
restructure is expected to be completed during Q1 FY21 and deliver material and ongoing cost savings 
and efficiencies across the business.

Sale of Senex Pipeline & Processing Pty Ltd
In September 2019, Senex completed the sale of its Roma North gas processing facility and pipeline to 
major energy infrastructure operator Jemena for $50 million cash. The gain on disposal of this facility 
has been removed from underlying profit.

COVID-19 government relief
State and federal governments have announced measures to help businesses during the COVID-19 
pandemic. Senex received relief in the form of JobKeeper payments and payroll tax rebates. These 
have been removed from underlying profit as they are abnormal and are not expected to be 
long-term arrangements.

16      OPERATING REVIEW

Operating review

Our high-quality, low-cost operating model and 
best-in-class execution capability enabled us to deliver 
robust oil production and transform our business into 
an important domestic natural gas supplier.

2020 operational highlights

$400 million Surat Basin project completed 

Best-in-class Surat Basin 
drilling performance

Gas production 
outperformance

Capital expenditure 
reduced

Major gas 
reserves upgrade

Gemba gas 
online early

Performance highlights

Total production volume
(mmboe)

2.08

73% increase on 2019

Oil field operating cost
(per barrel excluding tariffs and royalties)

$13

7% reduction on 2019

1P reserves
(mmboe)

38.6

100% increase on 2019

2P reserves
(mmboe)

134.4

19% increase on 2019

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OPERATING REVIEW     17

Transformation delivered

2020 drilling summary 

Senex achieved outstanding operational performance and 
completed key project milestones to deliver transformational growth.

We completed our $400 million Surat Basin capital works program 
less than two years after the final investment decision. Production 
has outperformed expectations, with Roma North exceeding 
nameplate capacity and Atlas ramping up ahead of target to 
achieve 35 terajoules (TJ) a day of combined production by the end 
of the financial year. Production outperformance and outstanding 
project execution has also led to material upgrades in booked 
natural gas reserves. Oil assets continued their strong delivery with 
excellent results from the 2019 development program leading to 
100 per cent reserves replacement being achieved.

Senex responded swiftly to COVID-19 with protocols that allowed 
operations and work programs to continue safely with minimal 
disruption. Our robust balance sheet and active hedging strategy 
provided resilient cashflows in the lower oil price environment and 
we continue to monitor the impact on our business while focusing 
on the safety of staff, contractors and communities.

Production summary

In 2020, Senex delivered total production of 2.1 mmboe, compared 
with 1.2 mmboe the year before, increasing production 73 per cent. 
This is an increase from full-year production guidance of 1.8-2.0 
mmboe for the year. This increase was primarily due to strong 
production performance across Senex’s Surat Basin assets. 

Reserve summary 

Senex delivered a major Surat Basin gas reserves upgrade during the 
year reporting a 108 per cent increase in 1P reserves (from 101 PJ to 
210 PJ) and a 21 per cent increase in 2P gas reserves (from 612 PJ 
to 739 PJ) following outstanding execution of its Surat Basin natural 
gas developments, excellent appraisal and, with continued Roma 
North production outperformance, driving a 10 per cent increase. 
Cooper Basin 2P reserves remained steady at 7.3 mmboe. 

Total Senex 2P oil and gas reserves increased 19 per cent on last 
year to 134 mmboe (781 PJe). 

Basin

Cooper

Cooper

Well type

Well name

Oil production

Snatcher North 2

Water injection

Snatcher 12 DW1

Cooper

Water injection

Snatcher North 3

Cooper

Oil production

Growler Northeast 2

Surat

Surat

Surat

Surat

Gas development

Glenora 25-34, 43-50, 59, 61 (20 wells)

Gas development

Eos 16-19, 21-27, 29-30, 34-35 (15 wells)

Gas development

Atlas 1-22, 24-31, 33-43, 61-63 (44 wells)

Appraisal

Atlas 60

Tenement

Senex ownership % Result

PPL 240

PPL 240

PPL 240

PPL 242 / 
PRL 15

PL 1022

PL 1022

PL 1037

PL 1037

60%

60%

60%

60%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Plugged and abandoned

Cased and suspended 
and completed

Cased and suspended. 
Awaiting completion

Producing

Producing

Producing

Producing

Cased and suspended

Surat Basin gas reserves (net to Senex) (PJ)

Surat Basin 2P gas reserves as at 30 June 2020 (PJ)

649

438

81
FY17

892

890

615

103
FY18

  1P       

  2P       

612

101
FY19
  3P

995

222

283

739 PJ

  Roma North

  Atlas

  Other Western Surat

739

210
FY20

234

18      OPERATING REVIEW

Natural gas

With completion of our Surat Basin $400 million capital 
works program, Senex’s natural gas is powering industry and 
supporting manufacturing and jobs in the east coast market.

Delivering in the Surat Basin

$400 million
total investment

428km2
total natural gas acreage

80
wells drilled

2
gas processing 
facilities

48 TJ/day
initial production target by 
end of FY21 (18 PJ/year) 

~250 jobs
created during 
project construction 

65km
of gas pipelines 

2.8 days
best drill and complete cycle time

30-year
project lifespan 

Domestic gas sales powering Queensland homes and 
manufacturing – from bricks and plasterboard to cardboard, 
glass and aluminium packaging, and electricity generation 

Gas processing capacity able 
to meet more than 10% of 
Queensland’s gas demand

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OPERATING REVIEW     19

Atlas

Atlas achieved domestic gas supply ahead of schedule in 
December 2019. Queensland’s new state-owned power generator 
CleanCo became the first customer to use natural gas from Atlas to 
generate electricity, joined by domestic customers CSR and Orora 
in January 2020. Atlas is the first natural gas acreage in Australia 
dedicated to supplying domestic customers, who use gas to make 
products and support manufacturing jobs in Queensland. 

With development of the processing facility completed by our 
infrastructure partner Jemena, we focused on completing our 
80-well Surat Basin drilling campaign by mid-2020 with drilling 
contractor Easternwell. Since the end of financial year, daily 
production exceeded 17 TJ a day. Production continues to perform 
strongly as it tracks towards nameplate capacity of 32 TJ a day. 

Construction of the Senex-owned water treatment facilities at 
Atlas is expected to be completed in the second quarter of the 
2021 financial year.

Australian manufacturer 
CSR uses the gas supplied 
via Wallumbilla Gas Hub 
in its three south-east 
Queensland manufacturing 
plants that employ 260 
people at Brendale, Coopers 
Plains and Oxley.

Senex and CSR: building Australia together

Natural gas from Senex’s Atlas acreage is powering the 
kilns that make building products found in 90 per cent of 
Australian homes.

Australian manufacturer CSR uses the gas supplied via 
Wallumbilla Gas Hub in its three south-east Queensland 
manufacturing plants that employ 260 people at Brendale, 
Coopers Plains and Oxley.

Gas from Atlas is helping to build over 150,000 Australian 
homes a year using CSR products – including PGH™ bricks, 
Gyprock™ plasterboard and Bradford™ insulation.

Senex is proud to support local manufacturing, jobs 
and investment through its partnership with CSR 
Building Products.

Senex and CleanCo: partners in Queensland’s cleaner 
energy future 

Atlas gas is supporting Queensland’s cleaner energy future 
by fuelling the Swanbank E power station near Ipswich 
in south-east Queensland. The highly efficient 385 MW 
combined cycle gas-fired power station is owned by CleanCo, 
Queensland’s publicly-owned clean energy company.

Since signing the first agreement for gas sales from Atlas in 
December 2019, Senex and CleanCo signed a new gas sales 
agreement in May 2020 to supply a further 2.55 PJ of natural 
gas from Atlas starting on 1 January 2021.

CleanCo will rely on the flexible gas-fired Swanbank E power 
station along with its Wivenhoe, Barron Gorge, Kareeya and 
Koombooloomba Hydro power stations to support variable 
renewable energy sources including Karara and MacIntyre 
Wind Farms and the Western Downs Green Power Hub.

The 2.55 PJ a year from Atlas will be supplied to the 
Wallumbilla hub, joining other gas supplies via the Roma to 
Brisbane pipeline.

Senex is pleased to be helping power Queensland business 
with cleaner energy.

20      OPERATING REVIEW

Roma North

Strong performance continued at Roma North, with the $50 million 
sale of our gas processing facility and pipeline to Jemena completed 
in September 2019. By March, Roma North production had 
reached above nameplate capacity of 16 TJ a day (around 6 PJ a 
year) – more than 12 months ahead of schedule – and continues to 
provide important natural gas supplies to our customer, GLNG, and 
the domestic market. 

Continued performance above nameplate capacity enabled us 
to reduce the number of wells needed to reach initial production 
targets, down from 50 to 35 wells, bringing significant capital 
savings. Initial production de-bottlenecking of the processing 
facility has allowed consistent production above 18 TJ/d.

To capitalise on better than expected reservoir performance we 
have started early works on the low-cost 8 TJ/day expansion of the 
processing facility at Roma North to 24 TJ/day, or around 
9 PJ/year. This includes an agreement for Jemena to procure 
long-lead items, such as compression equipment. 

ROMA NORTH
35 wells drilled FY20 
(283 PJ 2P reserves)

WESTERN SURAT
GAS PROJECT
(222 PJ 2P reserves)

Senex and Easternwell: industry-leading collaboration

In partnership with our drilling contractor, Toowoomba-based 
Easternwell, Senex made a 45 per cent improvement in cycle 
times and best-in-class drilling performance to achieve a 
spud-to-spud drill and complete time of 2.8 days. This reduced 
the time required to drill wells by at least two days on average.

Reduced drilling times contributed to delivery of gas to 
Queensland industrial customers from Atlas ahead of schedule. 
Applied learning and different geology at Roma North enabled 
even better performance, with drill times averaging three days or 
less. By the end of the campaign, Senex achieved a 30 per cent 
improvement in cost, saving about $200,000 per well. 

Improved drill cycle times benefit landholders by reducing 
the number of drilling days and truck movements on their 
property. The broader gas industry has had similar success with 
drilling times thanks to a commitment to share learnings and 
process improvements.

Senex and Easternwell share a commitment to doing things 
smarter and safer, working to maximise the benefits and 
minimise the impacts of our work.  

How we achieved best-in-class performance: 

• Safety: exceptional safety culture focused on incremental 

performance improvement 

• Innovation: working with suppliers on new technology and 
equipment improvements; using time-lapse photography to 
find ways of rigging up and down more efficiently

• Partnership: selecting the right people and focusing on 

win-win outcomes

• Planning: relentless pursuit of efficiency through detailed 

surveys, modelling and planning

• Uncompromising: on safety, environment, compliance 

and quality

Easternwell is part of Ventia Pty Ltd, one of Australia and New 
Zealand’s largest infrastructure services providers.

ATLAS
45 wells drilled FY20 
(234 PJ 2P reserves)

ARTEMIS
Exploration FY22-23

ANNUAL REPORT 2020MoombaBrisbane~1500 kmAdelaide~900 kmINNAMINCKANAPPA MERRIEGROWLERFIELD OFFICE02040KMProcessing facilityGas successMajor pipelineSenex acreageINJUNEWALLUMBILLAWANDOANROMAOFFICECondabri NorthCondabri CentralCondabri SouthRoma HubWallumbilla HubAtlas facilityRoma North facility02040KMWandoanProcessing hubOther processing facilityJemena/Senex processing facilityMajor pipelineSenex pipelineRoma North project areaSenex officeTown/citySenex acreageSenex officeTown/cityOPERATING REVIEW     21

GAS PRODUCTION
Vanessa

Artemis 

Exploration studies at Senex’s second domestic gas block in the 
Surat Basin are set to go ahead following the grant of an Authority 
to Prospect (ATP), expected in the 2021 financial year. Activity 
planned for 2021 includes a cooperative study in applied research 
into low-permeability coals with The University of Queensland’s 
Centre for Natural Gas; and a distributed energy study including 
upstream capability, market review, upstream and downstream 
execution. The four-year committed work program will start when 
the ATP is granted. 

Cooper Basin gas

The Gemba gas field in the Cooper Basin (see map, right) started 
production in December 2019 following a successful tie-in to the 
Santos-operated gathering network. Gas is being sold to Pelican 
Point Power Station in South Australia under a fixed-price gas sales 
agreement, with further evaluation of development opportunities 
and operational efficiencies underway.

GAS PRODUCTION
Gemba

MoombaBrisbane~1500 kmAdelaide~900 kmINNAMINCKANAPPA MERRIEGROWLERFIELD OFFICE02040KMProcessing facilityGas successMajor pipelineSenex acreageINJUNEWALLUMBILLAWANDOANROMAOFFICECondabri NorthCondabri CentralCondabri SouthRoma HubWallumbilla HubAtlas facilityRoma North facility02040KMWandoanProcessing hubOther processing facilityJemena/Senex processing facilityMajor pipelineSenex pipelineRoma North project areaSenex officeTown/citySenex acreageSenex officeTown/city22      OPERATING REVIEW

Oil

Completing the free-carry drilling campaign and interpreting the 
Westeros 3D seismic survey provided a large inventory of material 
exploration and appraisal leads to pursue in the Cooper Basin.

2020 highlights

2.9km
well drilled at Growler Northeast 2 – 
longest horizontal well in Cooper Basin

Free-carry drilling program 
successfully completed

Current development focus on 
further horizontal well potential 
in Growler and Spitfire fields

Growler 17 has produced over 
330 kboe of oil since coming 
online in January 2019

Prospects identified 
from Westeros 3D 
seismic survey

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OPERATING REVIEW    23

Cooper Basin developments

The Cooper Basin free-carry drilling program was successfully 
completed in 2020, with three of four wells achieving objectives. 
Two Snatcher water injector wells were drilled as part of the 
Snatcher waterflood project. Waterflood facility commissioning 
was completed in July 2020, signalling the first phase of water 
injection for the Senex western flank assets. 

The Growler Northeast 2 appraisal well was the longest along-hole 
departure well (horizontal distance from wellhead to end of well) 
drilled to date in the Cooper Basin at 2.883km. The well is online 
and producing in line with expectations.

At Snatcher North 2, activity at the appraisal well showed positive 
geological indicators for exploration prospects along the Snatcher 
chain. Results are under review with the current development 
focus on further horizontal well potential in the Growler and 
Spitfire fields. 

Results from the ~600km2 Westeros 3D seismic survey were 
processed in 2020 and identified a southern extension of the 
western flank as the primary objective. Numerous prospects have 
been mapped with material exploration targets identified.

OIL APPRAISAL P&A*
Snatcher North 2

WATER INJECTOR
Snatcher 12 DW1

WATER INJECTOR
Snatcher North 3

OIL PRODUCTION
Growler Northeast 2

The Growler Northeast 2 
appraisal well was the longest 
along-hole departure well 
(horizontal distance from 
wellhead to end of well) 
drilled to date in the Cooper 
Basin at 2.883km.

* P&A - plugged and abandoned

MoombaBrisbane~1500 kmWesteros3D seismicAdelaide~900 kmINNAMINCKANAPPA MERRIEGROWLERFIELD OFFICE02040KMProcessing facilityHorizontal appraisal wellWater injector wellAppraisal P&ASenex officeMajor pipelineSenex permitWesteros 3D seismicINJUNEWALLUMBILLAWANDOANROMAOFFICECondabri NorthCondabri CentralCondabri SouthRoma HubWallumbilla HubAtlas FacilityRoma North facility02040KMWandoanProcessing hubOther processing facilityJemena/Senex processing facilityMajor pipelineSenex pipelineRoma North Project AreaSenex acreageMoombaBrisbane~1500 kmWesteros3D seismicAdelaide~900 kmINNAMINCKANAPPA MERRIEGROWLERFIELD OFFICE02040KMProcessing facilityHorizontal appraisal wellWater injector wellAppraisal P&ASenex officeMajor pipelineSenex permitWesteros 3D seismicINJUNEWALLUMBILLAWANDOANROMAOFFICECondabri NorthCondabri CentralCondabri SouthRoma HubWallumbilla HubAtlas FacilityRoma North facility02040KMWandoanProcessing hubOther processing facilityJemena/Senex processing facilityMajor pipelineSenex pipelineRoma North Project AreaSenex acreage24      OPERATING REVIEW

Reserves and resources

Senex delivered a major Surat Basin reserves upgrade following outstanding execution of our Surat 
Basin natural gas developments. Independently assessed estimates of reserves and contingent 
resources reported a 108 per cent increase in 1P Surat Basin gas reserves to 210 PJ and a 21 per cent 
increase in Surat Basin 2P gas reserves to 739 PJ. Excellent appraisal and development drilling results 
at Atlas drove a 62 per cent (90 PJ) increase in 2P gas reserves to 234 PJ, with continued Roma North 
production outperformance driving a 10 per cent (25 PJ) increase in 2P gas reserves to 283 PJ. 

Surat Basin 2P gas reserves of 739 PJ represent over 40 years of natural gas production at the 
initial target rate of 48 TJ/day, providing material opportunities for gas production acceleration and 
expansion. With Senex’s greenfield gas processing capacity of more than 20 PJ/year, these assets will 
deliver natural gas to the domestic market for decades to come. 

Senex’s annual estimate of reserves and contingent resources is independently certified by Netherland 
Sewell & Associates and DeGolyer and MacNaughton. Senex released a reserves upgrade statement to 
the ASX on 14 July 2020.

Net reserves and contingent resources

Proved reserves (1P) 

mmboe 

Surat Basin 

Cooper Basin 

Total 1P reserves 

Oil

-

2.3

2.3

Gas and 
gas liquids

36.1

0.3

36.4

Proportion of total Proved Reserves that are unconventional (coal seam gas): 93%

Proved and probable reserves (2P)

mmboe

Surat Basin

Cooper Basin 

Total 2P reserves 

Oil

-

5.9

5.9

Gas and 
gas liquids

127.1

1.4

128.5

Total

Developed Undeveloped

Total

127.1

7.3

134.4

19.9

3.9

23.8

107.2

3.4

110.6

127.1

7.3

134.4

Proportion of total Proved and Probable Reserves that are unconventional (coal seam gas): 95%

Proved, probable and possible reserves (3P)

mmboe

Surat Basin 

Cooper Basin 

Total 3P reserves 

Oil

-

9.0

9.0

Gas and 
gas liquids

171.1

2.0

173.1

Total

Developed Undeveloped

Total

171.1

11.0

182.1

19.9

5.8

25.7

151.2

5.2

156.4

171.1

11.0

182.1

Proportion of total Proved, Probable and Possible Reserves that are unconventional (coal seam gas): 94%

Contingent Resources (2C)

mmboe

Surat Basin 

Cooper Basin 

Total 2C contingent resources 

Oil

-

6.0

6.0

Gas and 
gas liquids

-

4.0

4.0

Total

-

10.0

10.0

Total

Developed Undeveloped

Total

Note: Reserves or contingent resources are not currently reported for the recently awarded Artemis domestic gas tenure

36.1

2.5

38.6

19.9

2.1

22.0

16.2

0.4

16.6

36.1

2.5

38.6

Net reserves and contingent resources movement

mmboe

1P reserves 

2P reserves 

3P reserves 

2C resources

FY19

19.3

112.6

163.8

8.3

Production

Revisions

(2.1)

(2.1)

(2.1)

-

21.4

23.9

20.4

1.7

FY20

38.6

134.4

182.1

10.0

Change

100%

19%

11%

20%

ANNUAL REPORT 2020OPERATING REVIEW     25

26      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Sustainability 
review

Senex worked with a wide range of stakeholders 
to ensure all parties benefited from our 
purpose – to provide vital energy that sustains 
and improves people’s lives. Our approach is to 
treat people well, support local organisations 
that make life better for communities and 
minimise impacts on the environment. We 
strive continuously to improve and adapt to 
changing circumstances and attitudes.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     27

Highlights in 2020 

Safe and secure

Capable people

24/7 aeromedical 
coverage for the 
Cooper Basin

Increased 
focus on 
safety culture

Improved 
safety 
performance

COVID-19 Pandemic 
Management Plan 
and COVIDSafe 
Office Plan in 
operation

Supported 
employees through 
the COVID-19 
pandemic

Increased focus 
on health, 
wellbeing and 
social connection 

Advanced 
leadership 
capability 

Created 
local jobs

Environmentally responsible

Community partner 

10-year water 
supply and irrigation 
agreement to 
drought-proof a 
landholder’s property 

0 serious 
incidents 

Strong 
environmental 
management 

Advanced 
climate change 
priorities

More than 30 
community 
partnerships 

$37 million 
direct spend 
with 56 regional 
businesses

Shortened 
payment terms 
to support 400 
small businesses

124 rooms 
booked in local 
accommodation 
each week

28      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Safe and Secure

Senex continued to put the safety and wellbeing of our 
staff, contractors and communities first during 2020. We 
enhanced our focus on risk assessment and safety culture 
to ensure a safe workplace. The introduction of stringent 
COVID-19 protocols and effective business continuity 
measures enabled Senex to continue operating safely 
during the pandemic. 

Safety at a glance 

73

health and safety inspections and audits 
completed (3 per cent increase from 2019)

6 

recordable 
injuries 

0

serious 
injuries

692,948

exposure hours worked 

22 months

without a lost time injury in the 
Cooper Basin before April 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic 
Management Plan and COVIDSafe 
Office Plan in operation

80-well drilling campaign 
completed without a lost 
time injury

“This year Senex’s continued 
safety performance 
improvement was driven by 
our focus on safety culture, 
hazard reporting and contractor 
management with a major 
emphasis on high-consequence 
and high potential events”

Senex Chief Operating Officer 
Peter Mills

Performance Highlights

Total recordable injury frequency rate 
(TRIFR)

8.66

0.7  on 2019 (9.36)

Lost time injury frequency rate
(LTIFR)

2.89

0.23 on 2019 (3.12)

Contractor exposure hours worked
('000)

388.9

69.2 on 2019 (319.7)

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     29

“The hard work, commitment and 
collaborative effort both by Senex staff 
and with colleagues across the industry 
to safely navigate the challenges from 
the pandemic has been outstanding”

Senex Managing Director 
Ian Davies

Safety review

Six recordable injuries occurred in the financial year. These 
incidents included two lost time injuries, two alternative duties 
injuries and two medical treatment injuries. 

The injured workers included two drilling contractors, one 
transport contractor, one construction contractor and two Senex 
operators. Four injuries were the result of a slip, trip or fall; one was 
due to being struck (laceration); and another was attributed to poor 
body positioning. 

Every recordable incident was comprehensively investigated. 
A cross-functional team developed a targeted response to prevent 
recurrences and reverse the trend, which included an increase in 
site leadership visits and safety stand-downs. 

Improving safety performance 

This year we increased our focus on safety culture and contractor 
safety performance, with leadership field visits, contractor safety 
audits and inspections. Senex also worked closely with many of our 
contractors through the industry safety organisation Safer Together 
and the industry body APPEA to improve industry performance. 
This collaboration increased during the initial response to 
COVID-19 between March and June. 

The Three Whats personal risk assessment framework introduced 
last year was further embedded as part of toolbox and pre-start 
meetings. We also used safety stand-downs to provide 
opportunities to reflect on lessons learned and underscore 
personal responsibility. 

With the help of stakeholders throughout the business, Senex 
conducted a thorough investigation of spills and incidents 
to identify trends and outliers. In addition, health, safety and 
environment forums provided opportunities to collaborate on 
hazard identification and management teams sharpened their 
focus on safety governance. 

Senex has improved its safety strategy by adopting an approach 
that focuses on better understanding high-consequence and 
high-potential events to eliminate life-altering or fatal injuries. 

We conducted our annual major crisis and emergency exercise in 
November, simulating the impacts of a bushfire in the Surat Basin. 

COVID-19 response 

Senex’s focus on safety and wellbeing positioned the company 
well to respond to the unprecedented travel and health challenges 
posed by COVID-19. We acted early to protect our workers, 
operations and communities and ensure continuity of operations 
by implementing initiatives to prevent the spread of the virus. 
This included working with APPEA, QRC, SACOME and industry 
colleagues to ensure consistency in our practical responses and in 
working with stakeholders such as governments. 

Our comprehensive COVID-19 response included development of 
a Pandemic Management Plan and a COVIDSafe office plan that 
incorporate the following measures: 

•  introduction of a declaration system for Senex personnel, 

contractors and visitors to our field sites and offices
•  development of processes to ensure compliance with 

government requirements and World Health Organisation 
and industry guidelines, including temperature testing, social 
distancing and hygiene measures

•  implementation of business continuity measures, including 
activation of the Crisis Management Team and Business 
Continuity Management Team

•  introduction of travel and field access restrictions, requiring 

relocation of staff from their home state and changes to rosters 
and procedures 

•  the transition of our office-based employees initially to working 

safely and productively from home and then to a combination of 
office and home on a rostered basis 

Importantly, Senex maintained its safety performance during the 
COVID-19 pandemic despite distractions and forced changes on 
work practices. 

30      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW
30      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Keeping remote communities safe

Royal Flying Doctor Service 
Senex’s sponsorship of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) in 
South Australia continued in 2020. From 2021, the sponsorship 
will extend into Queensland with a focus on supporting activities 
through its Roma base in the Surat Basin. 

Our support helped to keep the service operating as it responded 
to a catastrophic bushfire season immediately followed by 
COVID-19. Suspected and confirmed cases of COVID-19 have 
accounted for 10 per cent of RFDS’s workload nationwide. The 
service has also made preparations to provide mobile respiratory 
clinics in communities that may need emergency testing. 

In 2020, the Senex-badged aircraft’s activity included: 

•  420,000km flown throughout South Australia and beyond
•  912 patients transported to major hospitals for specialist care or 

life-saving treatment 

•  17 COVID-19 transfers requiring comprehensive PPE protocols 

and aircraft cleaning 

•  52 country towns and outback locations serviced throughout 

South Australia

•  Three interstate transfers of critically ill infants for life-saving 

cardiac surgery

•  11 fly-in GP health clinics and one dental health clinic to remote 

communities in South Australia

Cooper Medivac 24
Senex maintained its commitment to the Cooper Medivac 24 
helicopter, the only aeromedical service operating at night in the 
Cooper Basin. This service can access the most remote locations, 
where fixed-wing planes are unable to land, to transfer patients 
to an RFDS aircraft. Started by Senex and Drillsearch in 2014, the 
service is funded jointly with Beach Energy.

In 2020, Senex created or restored safe helicopter landing pads 
on landholder properties in remote areas of the Cooper Basin to 
provide vital emergency medical evacuation support to the RFDS. 
The project has completed 25 helicopter landing sites: seven for 
Senex; five for landholders; and 13 for Beach Energy.

“We can’t get the RFDS plane out here because the runway costs 
too much to upkeep and it’s on a flood bank, so is not reliable. But 
knowing we can get a helicopter here in nine minutes gives us 
huge comfort” – Jane Marie Barnes of Gidgealpa, 780km north-
east of Adelaide 

A normal day in the field
Senex employee Mick Francis experienced first-hand how the 
Cooper Basin’s 24-hour flying intensive-care unit keeps our people 
safe in remote areas. 

Mr Francis was working at a Growler field oil well – a 12-hour drive 
to Adelaide – when he injured his leg. The Production Operator was 
helped by colleagues back to camp, where he was retrieved by the 
Cooper Medivac 24 helicopter and taken to Moomba. An RFDS 
plane flew Mr Francis to Adelaide, where he had surgery. 

Mr Francis spent five weeks recovering before returning to work. 

“Injuries can happen at any time to anyone,” he said. “It’s easy to 
get focused on the job you’re about to do and forget other things 
around you but we all need to take a minute to focus on what can 
go wrong and figure out a safe way to go about it.” 

“If it wasn’t for the RFDS, it would have 
been a very long drive to get help. I’m 
very grateful those guys are out here”

Growler field Production Operator 
Mick Francis 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     31

How our support helps save lives in the remote Cooper Basin

1

2

3

4

 Cooper Medivac 
24 helicopter can 
access the most 
remote locations

 Patients are 
transferred by 
helicopter to 
awaiting RFDS plane

 RFDS ‘flying 
intensive care unit’ 
airlifts patient to 
major hospital

Major hospital 
continues life-saving 
and specialist care

"Knowing we can 
get a helicopter 
here in nine 
minutes gives us 
huge comfort”

Jane Marie Barnes 
of Gidgealpa, 780km 
north-east of Adelaide

32      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Environmentally 
responsible

At Senex we hold ourselves to the highest environmental 
standards and operate to stringent government conditions. 
Senex continued its strong environmental management in 
2020 and advanced climate change priorities as part of our 
commitment to a low-carbon future. 

Environmental management in action

68

inspections and 
audits completed

0

infringement 
notices issued

0

serious 
incidents

Approval secured 
for Project Artemis – 
153km2 exploration 
block in the Surat Basin

Approval granted for 
waterflood project in the 
Cooper Basin to improve 
efficiency of oil assets

Long-term partnership 
to drought-proof 
landholder property with 
water from Roma North

“Having water during dry times 
will be huge for us. Being able 
to grow crops means we can 
improve the quality of our cattle 
to sell at feedlots for a higher 
price than at auction. We’re 
very appreciative to Senex 
for choosing the little guy to 
work with” 

Maranoa grazier Trevor Kehl, pictured

Performance Highlights

Water produced
(ML)

2,337.5

471.5 on 2019

Water used
(ML)

350

227 on 2019

Water reused from 
Senex production water
(ML)

290

88 on 2019

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Performance in 2020 

Our team’s focus on continual improvement helped prevent any 
serious reportable environmental incidents in 2020. As Senex’s 
gasfield projects at Roma North and Atlas shifted into operations, 
our environmental management system guided assurance through 
structured audits and inspections. 

In the Surat Basin, we received environmental approval for 
Artemis, our new 153km2 exploration block. In the Cooper Basin, 
we achieved environmental approval for a waterflood project to 
improve efficiency and production of oil assets. This has enabled oil 
production without the need to build additional infrastructure such 
as wells and supporting equipment. 

Senex conducted a greater number of site-specific ecology 
surveys in the Surat Basin, in line with our increased activity. No 
infringement notices were issued. There were eight minor spills 
in 2020, all within operational areas. All spills were contained and 
immediately remediated as part of our standard response.  

Enhancement projects

Senex continued to support the innovative Wild Deserts project, 
which is focused on restoring desert ecosystems in the Sturt 
National Park bordering South Australia and New South Wales. 
The project reached a milestone in January with erection of a 
10km fence that completes a 10,400ha enclosure. The survival 
rates of native mammals inside the fence are being improved 
by controlling numbers of feral predators. In the broader project 
area, monitoring has already recorded far higher numbers of small 
mammals, including the first Short-tailed Mouse in the area. The 
habitat has been further improved in 2020 by a dramatic increase 
in vegetation groundcover. 

Habitat for threatened Koalas and Yakka Skinks is improving at 
the Apple Tree Creek environmental offset site, about 100km 
north-west of Roma. Local landholders manage the 168ha 
woodland area, which is linked to the Merivale River – a recognised 
riparian biodiversity corridor – and Oakvale State Forest. The 
offset will continue to contribute to improving biodiversity values 
in Queensland.

Senex also contributed $96,319 to the Nature Foundation of 
South Australia to offset vegetation clearing for our projects in 
South Australia. The foundation invests in conserving, restoring and 
protecting South Australian landscapes, flora and fauna to ensure 
their survival. 

Drought-proofing in the Maranoa

In an innovative partnership, a landholder family in the Maranoa 
will benefit from drought-proofed grazing thanks to a long-term 
water supply and irrigation agreement with Senex. The irrigation 
scheme uses water produced from Senex natural gas wells at Roma 
North to irrigate 100ha of pasture used by Trevor Kehl to feed 
around 300 cattle. 

Under a 10-year agreement, Senex has installed modern irrigation 
to provide up to one megalitre a day to the property. The project 
uses data from ground probes to add treatments to the soil 
at appropriate rates to maintain soil structure. The agreement 
includes ongoing advice from an irrigation and agricultural 
specialist to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability. 

Senex’s water supply agreement will effectively drought-proof Mr 
Kehl’s grazing operations for 10 years. And while there has been 
some rain in 2020, Mr Kehl said the drought was far from over.  

SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     33

“Providing free water from Roma 
North to drought-proof the Kehl family 
property for 10 years is a first-rate 
example of the gas industry working 
alongside our agriculture partners with 
extremely positive outcomes” 

Senex Environmental Manager 
John Earley

34      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW
34      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Climate change

Senex’s position on climate change reflects its significance as a social, environmental and 
business challenge. We recognise that the world needs access to reliable, affordable and 
sustainable energy delivered in cleaner ways. We seek to minimise our emissions footprint 
and consider climate change risk when we make decisions. 

Our strategic approach is to enhance value and mitigate risk by reducing our own emissions footprint and growing a resilient 
long-term portfolio that contributes to a low-carbon future.

The completion of our Atlas and Roma North natural gas developments and continued production outperformance in the 
Surat Basin mean we are increasingly positioned to be part of a low-carbon future. 

Our climate change priorities 

In 2020, Senex advanced its climate change priorities as part of our commitment to a low-carbon future. 

2020 progress

2021 priorities

Senex undertook a gap analysis against the G20 Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures 
(TCFD) framework and identified actions for implementation in 2021 and beyond

Start to implement actions identified from the TCFD self-assessment 

Senex reviewed its governance documents during the year. All were deemed to sufficiently address the 
oversight of the risk management framework, including how climate risk is managed

Continued review of how climate change risk is managed

Management responsibilities and accountabilities for climate change matters were reviewed and deemed 
to be clear and well embedded in Senex’s business management systems

Ongoing improvements will continue as the actions from the TCFD framework gap 
analysis are implemented 

Senex undertook a detailed assessment of the risk from climate change to capture opportunities and 
identify key risks

Complete an annual risk assessment of climate change where key risks are regularly reviewed by 
management and the Board’s Audit and Risk Committee

Start modelling Senex against the International Energy Agency's widely accepted climate change scenarios 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     35
SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     35

Our strategic approach is to enhance 
value and mitigate risk by reducing our 
own emissions footprint and growing 
a resilient long-term portfolio that 
contributes to a low-carbon future

Cooper Basin initiatives 

Water consumption

Produced water increased 25 per cent between 2019 and 2020, 
from 1,866ML to 2,337.5ML, as wells were brought online at 
Roma North and Atlas.

Senex’s water use increased from 123ML in 2018 to 350ML, 
reflecting increased construction and drilling activity at Roma 
North and Atlas. However, 83 per cent of this total was recycled 
from our water storage ponds, reducing the take from other 
sources. We also implemented the Roma North landholder 
irrigation scheme to reuse the groundwater produced as a result of 
our activities, described earlier in this section. 

In 2020 Senex reviewed opportunities to reduce emissions in our 
Cooper Basin operations by using renewable energy. The review 
favoured solar power because of the high number of sunshine 
days and available land for solar farming. We started a project to 
install solar power at our Snatcher facility field offices, due to be 
completed in 2021.  

Converting to solar power at Snatcher, pictured at right, will 
reduce the use of generators up to 90 per cent, improving fuel 
efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We will 
continue to investigate the potential for more Cooper Basin 
renewable projects in 2021.   

Greenhouse gas emissions

Senex has recorded its emissions under the National Greenhouse 
and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (NGER) since 2011. This scheme 
measures energy produced, energy consumed and greenhouse 
gas emissions. Since 2013, we have also reported to the National 
Pollution Inventory (NPI) on emissions to air, land and water. 
This Annual Report provides emissions calculations for the 2019 
financial year as the 2020 calculations are completed later in the 
calendar year. 

In 2019 Senex reported:

•  a decrease in energy consumption with 335,982 GJ recorded 

(2018: 343,472 GJ)

•  a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, with 21,745 tonnes of 
CO2 equivalent recorded (2018: 22,513 tonnes CO2 equivalent)

•  a 3.4 per cent reduction in Scope 1 CO2-e emissions 
•  a 40 per cent increase in energy production versus the 

previous year.

36      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Capable people

We have continued our focus on building leadership 
capability through dedicated programs, training and 
employee engagement. The COVID-19 pandemic 
presented challenges to the way we work but our 
people responded quickly, adapting to remote working 
and maintaining productivity and engagement. 

Workforce at a glance

158

direct employees

32% 6%

women in workforce

more women than Australian 
hydrocarbon average

28% 29% 22%

women in leadership 
positions

women on Board 
of Directors

people of 
international origin

“Our employees have impressed 
me with their flexibility, 
resilience and ability to cope 
with changing circumstances” 

Senex Managing Director 
Ian Davies

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     37

“The leadership program helped me 
stop and think about how we do things, 
not just what we do, and offered 
different approaches to take back to 
the team”

Senex Drilling and Completions Manager 
Matthew Ruttley

Keeping connected during COVID-19 

Senex leadership programs 

Three tiers of Senex leadership development programs advanced 
in 2020. The programs for executives, advanced leaders, managers 
and high-potential employees are designed to support alignment 
with our strategy, lift performance and unlock potential. 

Senex Drilling and Completions Manager Matthew Ruttley took 
part in the advanced leadership program and says it helped him to 
take a more strategic approach.

“The leadership program helped me take a step back and look at 
my team from a different view,” Mr Ruttley said. 

“I learnt different management approaches and was able to explore 
and practise these in the workshops before applying them with 
the team.” 

The programs were disrupted by COVID-19 and will resume in the 
2021 financial year. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Senex’s focus has been to 
protect the safety, health and wellbeing of our people. 

We introduced a range of precautions across our business 
including strict protocols on travel, field access, hygiene, 
temperature checks and social distancing. 

Senex also moved quickly to establish frequent, formal 
communications, health and safety updates and line manager 
information sessions to keep our people informed and connected. 
An employee support working group was established to coordinate 
activities focused on four main areas to help employees adjust to 
working from home: 

•  mental wellbeing – mindfulness sessions, sleep tips, 

gratitude sharing

•  physical wellbeing – physical challenges, recipes, exercise tips
•  social connectedness – virtual trivia, fundraising pyjama party
•  management and team practices – accelerated introduction 

of remote-working technology, virtual meeting tips, 
technology support 

Staff were positive in their feedback and particularly appreciative of 
the support provided in equipping them to stay healthy, connected 
and productive while working from home. 

What our employees said

“The Technology Team have gone 
above and beyond to help me with 
any issues and regularly check in to 
ensure everything is working for me” 

“Apart from missing everyone 
in the office environment, my 
work-from-home experience has 
been very positive”

“The communication provided in 
the weekly updates is very clear, 
informative and also very calming in 
the current situation”

38      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Community 
partner

Senex strives to be a good neighbour and an active member 
of the communities where we work. We create local jobs 
and business opportunities, and work with community 
organisations, arts and education providers to support vibrant 
regional communities. In 2020, this included direct support 
during COVID-19. 

2020 highlights 

56

regional businesses engaged 
to provide goods and services

124

rooms booked in local 
accommodation each week

30

community 
partnerships

Royal Flying Doctor Service 
partnership continued 
in South Australia and 
extended into Queensland

COVID-19 
support fund 
for community 
organisations 

Shorter payment 
terms to support 
400 small 
business suppliers

“As a Queensland-based 
business, we have a 
strong commitment to 
hiring and buying locally 
wherever possible”

Senex Managing Director 
Ian Davies

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     39

Investing in our communities 

We are proud to work with community organisations and 
other local partners to support and build sustainable, thriving 
communities. Our sponsorships and partnerships are focused 
on initiatives that help support liveability, boost economic 
development, deliver quality education and improve access to 
health services. Such initiatives include the Queensland Minerals 
and Energy Academy (QMEA) STEM program for regional schools 
and our ongoing partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 
Our approach is to focus on long-term partnerships that build 
sustainability and resilience.

Support during the pandemic 

While, fortunately, there were no cases of residents or Senex 
employees in the Surat or Cooper basins contracting COVID-19, 
every community has had to contend with travel restrictions and 
flow-on economic impacts. Senex has responded, and will continue 
to respond, to community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic 
wherever possible.

Senex maintained its support of important local community 
organisations and initiatives during 2020, despite the cancellation 
of many sponsored events. While the Senex-sponsored 
ColourXplosion fun run didn’t go ahead, we continued to support 
its organiser Maranoa PCYC to deliver youth development and 
domestic violence prevention programs that help at-risk children. 

We also launched initiatives to support communities during 
COVID-19. We shortened payment terms to 14 days or sooner 
for more than 400 smaller business in Queensland and South 
Australia, speeding up the payment of millions of dollars. We 
also established a fund to support communities in our areas of 
operation and bought five new laptops for Wandoan State School 
to support online learning for students in need. 

Pictured: a popular Wandoan Photo Challenge entry by Tania Baker. See page 43

40      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Supporting local business 

Thriving local economies are good for rural and 
regional towns and our business, providing jobs 
for local people and a broader range of suppliers 
for Senex. We buy goods and services locally 
wherever possible and we strongly encourage 
our contractors to do the same. 

Responsible procurement

Senex is committed to identifying, assessing and mitigating modern 
slavery risks in our operations and supply chain. 

Since the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 took effect 
in January 2019, Senex has developed a roadmap for activity to 
ensure we are appropriately managing these risks. This includes 
incorporating modern slavery matters into existing policies, 
procedures and frameworks. We have also investigated the risk of 
modern slavery in relation to our business-critical and higher-risk 
direct suppliers, with no remediation actions required. 

Senex’s first statement under this legislation will be published 
in 2021. 

Civil works contract for Roma business

Easternwell returns $3m to local economies 

Roma-based Flower Earthmoving delivered a $3.9 million contract 
for Senex as part of its Atlas domestic gas project. 

The family-owned business constructed a 500 ML dam to hold 
produced water for beneficial use.   

Flower Earthmoving Operations Manager Byron Flower said he 
was proud to win the company’s second major contract with 
Senex, which followed civil works on Senex’s Roma North project. 

“We have proven our experience and capability through our work 
to date, and it’s a real compliment to have been awarded more 
work,” Mr Flower said. 

“This contract has meant ongoing employment for 
approximately 15 locals and more income flowing 
into the community.” 

Flower Earthmoving Operations Manager 
Byron Flower

Senex’s $2.6 million, 80-well contract with Toowoomba-based 
drilling contractor Easternwell provided broad support to the 
local economy. 

The contract provided the majority of Easternwell’s broader local 
spending of $3 million with 80 suppliers. These suppliers included 
local accommodation providers at a time when the pandemic had 
stalled broader community travel to Roma and Wandoan. Other 
small businesses provided a range of goods and services from crew 
lunches to site transport. 

About half of Easternwell drill contractors live locally, with a 
combined $1.6 million paid annually to crew members living in the 
local and surrounding areas.  

Senex has since awarded Easternwell another 12-month contract 
for well workover and completion operations. Read more about our 
industry-leading collaboration on page 20. 

“Easternwell is proud to work with Senex to continue 
to support local Queensland communities”

Easternwell General Manager 
Kyle Koziol

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     41

Keeping rooms full during COVID-19 

Long-term partner supports drilling program   

Uniforms keep Senex looking the part

Senex has a firmly established practice of using family-run and 
locally owned accommodation providers to house employees 
and contractors. Our people enjoy warm local hospitality while 
supporting local jobs and businesses. 

In total, we spent 6,466 nights and more than $1 million on local 
accommodation across the Surat Basin during 2020. 

The decision to maintain local accommodation bookings during the 
pandemic, when many tourism operators were affected by travel 
restrictions, ensured continuity for our operations and supported 
local businesses through difficult times.  

“Senex’s support is truly a massive part of our business”

Wandoan’s Bushlander Motel proprietor 
Denella James

Thargomindah energy construction contractor Ago Vires has been 
a long-term partner of Senex in oil and gas drilling programs in the 
Cooper and Surat basins. 

Senex crews in the Surat Basin wear their uniforms with pride, 
knowing much of their workwear and safety apparel is sourced 
from the locally owned Brenorrs department store in Roma. 

Following a competitive tender process, Ago Vires crews installed 
the above-ground wellsite infrastructure for our Surat Basin drilling 
program. They were subsequently awarded a contract for water 
infrastructure at Atlas including pipework to connect the dams, 
tanks and reverse osmosis plant. 

"Communication between client and contractor is so 
important," said Ago Vires Managing Director Marco Otaola. 
"We find everyone works well together and projects run safely 
and efficiently."

Ago Vires employs skilled people from the Surat Basin and 
elsewhere in Queensland, supporting Senex’s policy to use local 
contractors wherever possible. 

“We have an excellent relationship with Senex. It’s 
important for us to work together to achieve results”

Ago Vires Managing Director 
Marco Otaola

Owner Nathan Garvie has worked in the business for 20 years 
and says the store, which opened in 1971, has adapted to meet 
changing demand.

“We’re fortunate to have strong industries in Roma but we also 
work really hard to provide a good service,” Mr Garvie said. “That 
means having stock on hand and turning things around as quickly 
as possible.”

Local schools and sporting clubs also benefit from support from 
Brenorrs, which has invested in new technology for on-site 
embroidery and vinyl heat-press machines to keep everyone 
looking sharp.

“It means a lot when Senex buys from our business, 
creating extra income to be spent around town”

Brenorrs owner 
Nathan Garvie 

42      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Investing in our communities 

Senex supported more than 30 local 
organisations across the Surat and Cooper 
basins in 2020, contributing to education, 
health, performing arts, sport and other 
initiatives that support hundreds of families 
across our areas of operation.

Big Dry Friday drought relief 

School ovals rescued from drought 

Supporting women in the bush

Despite heavy rain in 2020, the drought is not over. Many regional 
and rural Australians continue to face hardship and need support 
as much as ever. To support the regions where we operate, Senex 
and staff raised $18,400 during the Big Dry Friday appeal run by 
the Morgans Foundation.

Our donation was matched by Morgans Financial, resulting in 
$36,800 being donated to Rural Aid for families to spend in their 
local communities.

Morgans Executive Chairman Brian Sheahan said Senex had made 
a real difference to communities in need.

“Thanks to Senex and its employees for their 
contribution which, along with fantastic support from 
Morgans’ staff, communities and clients, helped us to 
raise over $1 million”

Morgans Executive Chairman 
Brian Sheahan

The tough, brown oval where Darren Lockyer learnt to play rugby 
league has been resurrected for the next generation of regional 
Queensland sporting stars. 

Senex joined its infrastructure partner Jemena and construction 
contractors Valmec and Speicapag to sponsor the 2019 Women’s 
Wellness Day in Miles. 

Natural gas companies, including Senex and the Shell-operated 
QGC venture, led the huge community effort to drought-proof 
Wandoan State School’s ovals. 

Murilla Community Centre’s Cecily Brockhurst said the turnout was 
the biggest in five years as 220 women came together to enjoy 
themselves and seek relief from the drought. 

A team of almost 100 volunteers worked over four weekends to 
cover 7,500m2 with 150 tonnes of turf. The final push came after 
Senex and others funded more than half the $150,000 cost of the 
turf, an irrigation system and a new pipe to bring treated water 
from council bores. 

Parents and Citizens Association President Greg Zillman said 
the school could now host big regional sporting events, bringing 
broader economic benefits to the town. 

“People are feeling a bit down and this really lifted their spirits,” Ms 
Brockhurst said. 

Social isolation is a significant issue for women in Queensland’s 
regions. Events like these enable women to access support, learn 
about women’s health and make new friends. 

Senex also supported the 2019 Channel Country Ladies Day in 
Thargomindah, western Queensland, and the APPEA-led Roma 
International Women’s Day event. 

“Students are loving the new oval and the community 
has a safe, green playing surface to access”

Wandoan State School Principal 
Jason Day

Watch the story Video link: senexenergy.com.au/multimedia

“Together we can continue to inspire and empower 
outback women, build resilience and equip them with 
tools they need to thrive”

Channel Country Ladies Day Partnerships Coordinator 
Maree Morton

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     43

Maranoa community grants

Cordillo woolshed restoration 

Photos capture heart of the country

Senex partners with Maranoa Regional Council to sponsor the 
small grants category of its community grants program. The 
$30,000 grants pool is distributed to successful local applicants for 
community projects, local events and education activities.

Ten projects received small grants funding this year. In 2020 
Mitchell Rotary Club was awarded funding to complete a 
shelter at the Fisherman’s Rest Hut as part of the River Walk 
Project, pictured. Other recipients included Visit Roma Inc, which 
received support to promote Maranoa as a tourism and business 
destination; and Noonga Community Association, for an event to 
keep young people in local farming communities. 

“We’re excited about supporting the passionate and 
hardworking volunteers that help to keep the Maranoa 
community strong and vibrant”

Senex Community Manager 
Trevor Robertson

Senex joined fundraising efforts to restore a historic woolshed on 
one of our South Australian landholder’s properties.  

The Cordillo Downs woolshed, about 1,000km north of Adelaide, 
was damaged in 2017 when a storm blew off part of the heritage-
listed structure’s roof. At 60m long and 13m wide, the 136-year-
old structure is the biggest of its kind in the world.  

Station manager Janet Brook told ABC News she was touched by 
the support.

"It's been really pleasing to see how many people are 
keen to see this example of our history keep going"

Cordillo Downs Station Manager 
Janet Brook

Senex sponsors the Wandoan Photo Challenge, a competition 
organised as part of the Wandoan Show that captures the people 
and landscapes of Wandoan and surrounding communities.  

This year’s challenge was more popular than ever, generating 247 
stunning entries showcasing what’s best about life in the region.   

First-time entrant Amie Pearce won the inaugural Best 
Photographer Award after a last-minute decision to enter 
the competition.

Senex is delighted to sponsor the Wandoan Photo Challenge 
amid the ongoing challenges posed by both the drought and the 
cancellation of many community events due to COVID-19.

Congratulations to all entrants on their thoughtful 
and evocative photos.

To see a full list of winners, go to 
www.wandoanphotochallenge.com

Pictured: (above) the People's Choice winner, an entry by Alexis Rose.

44      SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW

Indigenous engagement

Senex has positive and mutually beneficial relationships 
with traditional custodians of the land.

Throughout 2020 we engaged with Traditional Owners 
to conduct surveys to protect heritage sites and to 
perform site inductions to ensure our workplaces are 
culturally aware. 

In December we entered into a Native Title Agreement 
with the Iman People of central and south-west 
Queensland. On behalf of the Iman People, the Wardingarri 
Aboriginal Corporation Registered Native Title Body 
Corporate made the agreement to authorise land subject 
to Native Title to be added back into the Atlas permit. 
This agreement enables Senex to access land previously 
excluded from the lease for future development.  

From the start of the 2020 calendar year some planned 
cultural heritage meetings with the Mandandanji People 
of south-west Queensland, and the Dieri People of 
the far north-west of South Australia, were postponed 
to minimise the risk of COVID-19 exposure to 
Indigenous communities. 

New scholarships supporting education and training 
were agreed with the Iman People – one of $5,000 and 
two of $2,500. These started on 1 July 2020 and will 
provide three annual scholarships to support university or 
certificate training.

Dieiri art prize showcases talent

Talented artists joined the Senex-sponsored Dieri People’s 
art competition this year. The artworks showcased a range 
of skills and artistic techniques to tell traditional stories. 
Winners received cash prizes, with some of the artworks 
being displayed in Senex’s Adelaide office.

Senex Senior Commercial Manager Wendy Roxbee said 
the art competition was a small but important example 
of the strong relationship between the Dieri People and 
Senex. "We congratulate all the winners for their amazing 
creativity, while promoting cultural awareness and bringing 
traditional stories to life through their art,” Ms Roxbee said.

Pictured: 13-18 years first-prize winner Dakota Warren-Carlton, 
being congratulated by Wendy Roxbee of Senex.

Indigenous engagement activities in 2020

65

people attended face-to-face inductions 
with the Mandandanji People

2

face-to-face inductions were 
presented by the Iman People

173

people completed Senex’s online Iman 
induction before travelling to site

10

cultural heritage clearance 
surveys with the Iman People for 
Atlas and one for Roma North

5

cultural heritage clearance 
surveys with the Mandandanji 
People for Roma North

4

cultural heritage meetings were held in 2020 
(two with the Iman People, one with the 
Mandandanji People and one with the Dieri People) 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW     45

Working with landholders

Senex strives to be a good partner and neighbour. We 
work respectfully and constructively with landholders, with 
whom we have relationships over many years. 

Our approach is to be open, upfront and to do the right 
thing. We take time to understand agricultural operations 
on properties and we work together on the location 
of infrastructure. We meet and, where possible, go 
beyond the mandatory requirements designed to ensure 
landholders’ rights are respected.

This way of working minimises our impacts and ensures 
mutual benefits, ensuring agriculture and natural gas 
operations can continue side by side.

Industry collaboration 

Senex’s operations involve a wide range of communities, 
businesses and people. We strive to work constructively 
with everyone who has an interest in affordable, safe 
and reliable natural gas production – from communities 
where the gas is produced to users and consumers of this 
valuable energy source.

Alongside our industry counterparts, we continued to be 
an active participant in industry and government forums 
and contributed submissions for key legislative reviews and 
deliberations including the statutory 10-year independent 
review of the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and 
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and the 
Queensland Government’s royalty review. 

We did this as an individual company and as a member 
of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration 
Association (APPEA), the South Australian Chamber of 
Mines and Energy (SACOME) and Queensland Resources 
Council (QRC).

Increasingly, our priority is to make a more powerful case 
for our industry, directly addressing misinformation to 
ensure our products are recognised for the important part 
they will continue to play in the energy mix.

Pictured: Phil Woodhouse, who worked on construction of the Atlas pipeline, 
was the winner of an APPEA photo competition that raised awareness of the 
communities the industry works in. He took this photo of pipe at Wandoan that 
has now been buried and connects Atlas to the domestic market..

Snapshot of landholder engagement in 2020

The overwhelming majority of the landholders Senex works with are in the Surat Basin.

53

landholder 
relationships

758 2

individual landholder 
interactions 
recorded

more locally based 
land access field 
staff employed

11

Conduct and 
Compensation 
Agreements executed

61

Conduct and 
Compensation Agreements 
actively managed

Atlas landholder 
engagement event 
held – 8 landholders 
attended

Compliance-focused: 
regular weed certification 
and land access 
compliance checks

Active engagement: all 
interactions recorded 
for continuous 
improvement

Timely: faster 
response to 
questions and 
complaints

46    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board of 
Directors

TREVOR BOURNE
Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director
BSc (Mech Eng), MBA, FAICD

Trevor joined the Senex Board in December 2014 
and was appointed Chairman in March 2015. 
He is an experienced Non-Executive Director 
with over 20 years in public and private company 
directorships in Australia and Asia. Trevor was a 
founding director of Origin Energy for 12 years, 
following the demerger from Boral. At Origin he 
chaired the Remuneration Committee and was 
a member of the Audit and Safety Committees. 
Trevor’s executive career included 15 years at BHP, 
eight years with the then Orica subsidiary Incitec, 
and 15 years with Brambles – the last six of which 
as Managing Director of Australasia. Trevor was 
also a director of Caltex Australia for 13 years 
before retiring in May 2019. While at Caltex he 
chaired the OH&S Committee and was a member 
of the Remuneration Committee.  

Trevor is Chairman of the Nomination 
Committee. He is not a member of the other 
Board committees, but attends and participates in 
those meetings. 

Other current and former* directorships

Sydney Water: Non-Executive Director, Chairman of the Safety 
Committee (February 2014)

Virgin Australia Holdings Limited: Non-Executive Director, Chairman 
of the Safety Committee, member of the Audit and Risk Management 
Committee and the Remuneration Committee (January 2018)

Transport Asset Holding Entity of New South Wales: 
Non-Executive Director (June 2020)

Caltex Australia Limited: Former Non-Executive Director (March 
2015-May 2019)

*former directorships of listed entities in previous 3 years

IAN DAVIES
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
BBus (Acct), CA, Cert SII (UK), MAICD, F Fin 

Ian has led Senex as Managing Director and Chief 
Executive since 2010, navigating the business 
through significant growth and transformation. 
Under Ian’s leadership, the Company is pursuing 
a long-held strategy to capture emerging 
opportunities in Australia’s dynamic energy sector. 
In 2017, Ian was elected to the Board of the 
Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration 
Association (APPEA) and in November 2019 was 
appointed Vice Chairman. 

Before joining Senex, Ian was influential in 
the growth of the CSG-to-LNG industry in 
Queensland as Chief Financial Officer of 
Queensland Gas Company Limited (QGC). Ian 
led the negotiation of the LNG joint venture 
transaction with BG Group and the takeover 
offer for QGC by BG Group, the largest 
on-market takeover in Australian corporate 
history at that time. 

He also served as General Manager Business 
Development and General Manager Ports and 
Infrastructure, under BG Group ownership. Ian 
spent the early part of his career in corporate 
tax advisory within mining and energy with PwC 
in Brisbane and as an investment banker with 
Barclays Capital in London.

As Managing Director and Chief Executive, Ian is 
not counted as a member of any board committee 
but he attends and participates in all meetings of 
board committees, except where conflicted.

Other current directorships

APPEA: Vice Chairman, Non-Executive Director (November 2017)

RALPH CRAVEN
Independent Non-Executive Director
BE, PhD, FIEAust, FIPENZ, FAICD

Ralph joined the Senex Board in September 
2011. He has broad experience across the 
energy sector including electricity, gas and other 
resources. Before becoming a professional 
director in 2007, Ralph held senior executive 
positions with energy companies in Australia and 
New Zealand. He was formerly Chief Executive of 
Transpower New Zealand Ltd, Executive Director 
with NRG Asia-Pacific and General Manager 
with Shell Coal Pty Ltd. His previous tenures 
include Chairman and Non-Executive Director 
of Stanwell Corporation, Invion Limited, Ergon 
Energy Corporation and Tully Sugar Limited, and 
Deputy Chairman of coal seam gas company 
Arrow Energy Limited.

Ralph is Chairman of the People and 
Remuneration Committee and member 
of the Audit and Risk Committee and the 
Nomination Committee.

Other current directorships

Genex Power Ltd: Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director 
(May 2015)

AusNet Services Ltd: Non-Executive Director (January 2014)

Multicom Resources Ltd: Chairman, Independent Non-Executive 
Director (July 2018)

ANNUAL REPORT 2020BOARD OF DIRECTORS     47

TIMOTHY CROMMELIN
Independent Non-Executive Director
BCom, SF Fin, FAICD

DEBRA GOODIN
Independent Non-Executive Director
BEcon, FCA, MAICD

GLENDA MCLOUGHLIN
Independent Non-Executive Director
BEcon, MBA, FAICD

Tim joined the Senex Board in October 2010. He 
has over 40 years of experience in stockbroking, 
investment banking, corporate advisory, risk 
management, and mergers and acquisitions. He 
is Non-Executive Chairman of Morgans Holdings 
(Australia) Limited and Non-Executive Chairman 
of ASX-listed AP Eagers Limited, and previously 
served as Deputy Chairman of CS Energy Limited 
and Queensland Gas Company Limited. Tim is 
a member of the University of Queensland’s 
governing Senate, and other current directorships 
include the Morgans Foundation, where he is 
Deputy Chairman, Australian Cancer Research 
Foundation and the Brisbane Lions Foundation.

Tim is Executive Chairman of Morgans Financial 
Limited, who was an adviser to the company. 
Senex has not had any material dealing with 
Morgan’s during the last three financial years and 
the Board has determined that Mr Crommelin 
qualifies as independent. 

Tim is a member of the Audit and Risk Committee 
and Nomination Committee.

Other current directorships

AP Eagers Limited: Non-Executive Chairman (February 2011) 

Debbie joined the Senex Board in May 2014. 
She is an experienced company director and 
audit committee chairman, and is currently a 
Non-Executive Director of APA Group, Atlas 
Arteria Limited and Australian Pacific Airports 
Corporation Limited. Debbie has more than 
20 years’ senior management experience 
with professional services firms, government 
authorities and ASX listed companies across a 
broad range of industries and service areas. Her 
executive experience in ASX listed companies 
included roles in finance, operations, corporate 
strategy, and mergers and acquisitions.

Debbie is Chairman of the Audit and Risk 
Committee and member of the People 
and Remuneration Committee and 
Nomination Committee.

Other current and former* directorships

APA Group: Non-Executive Director (September 2015)

Atlas Arteria Limited: Non-Executive Director (September 2017)

Australian Pacific Airports Corporation Limited: Non-Executive 
Director (March 2020)

oOh!media Limited: Former Non-Executive Director (November 
2014 – February 2020)

Ten Network Holdings Limited: Former Non-Executive Director 
(August 2016 – November 2017) 

*former directorships of listed entities in previous 3 years

Glenda joined the Senex Board on 1 July 2020. 
Glenda brings a wealth of experience in the 
energy sector in both executive and advisory 
capacities. Glenda has extensive commercial 
experience as an investment banker, finance 
executive and company director working at a 
senior executive level in Australia and Asia.

She has held senior executive roles at leading 
financial institutions Morgan Stanley, Credit 
Suisse and Barclays Capital where she led the 
Energy and Infrastructure Group in Australia. 
In addition to her work in the energy sector, 
Glenda has extensive experience in the 
telecommunications, information technology, 
media, transport and financial services sectors.

Glenda co-founded listed Australian gas company 
Metgasco, where she was Executive Director and 
Chief Financial Officer for eight years.

Glenda is a member of the People 
and Remuneration Committee and 
Nomination Committee.

Other current directorships

SCECGS Redlands Limited: Chairman, Non-Executive Director 
(October 2016)

JOHN WARBURTON
Independent Non-Executive Director
BSc (Hons Geological Sciences), PhD Structural Geology, FGS, 
FPESA, MAICD

John joined the Senex Board in March 2016. He 
is a Petroleum Geoscientist by profession with 
extensive technical and executive experience in 
exploration, field development, commercial and 
new business in the global oil and gas industry.  
John has been active in the international 
petroleum industry for 37 years. At BP he 
held senior technical and leadership positions 
before moving on to senior executive roles with 
substantial oil and gas companies including 
LASMO plc, Eni Pakistan Ltd and Oil Search Ltd.  
At Oil Search John was Chief of Geoscience & 
Exploration Excellence.

John is a member of the People 
and Remuneration Committee and 
Nomination Committee.

Other current directorships/other interests

Empire Energy Group Limited: Non-Executive Director 
(February 2019)

Imperial Oil and Gas Pty Ltd (subsidiary of Empire Energy Group 
Ltd): Non-Executive Director (March 2016)

University of Leeds, UK: Visiting Professor in the School of Earth 
& Environment and Member of the External Advisory Board at 
Petroleum Leeds (Centre for Integrated Petroleum Engineering & 
Geoscience) (October 2010)

48    RISK MANAGEMENT

Risk Management 

The Senex risk management framework incorporates an 
enterprise-level view of risk, an understanding of management 
options and the use of consistently developed information to 
support decision making and management practices to achieve 
organisational goals. 

The framework is based on the international standard for risk 
management (ISO 31000), is reviewed annually and is unchanged 
from that described in detail in the Senex 2019 annual report. The 
Audit and Risk Committee assists the Board in regularly monitoring 
material business risks. The material business risks for Senex 
are actively managed within the risk management governance 
framework shown below. 

Board
Oversee

Audit & Risk 
Committee
Monitor, review

Risk Management 
Policy

Chief Executive Officer
Prioritise, arbitrate,  
deliver

Chief Financial 
Officer
Facilitate, analyse, 
aggregate

Risk Management 
Working Group
Review, brainstorm, 
report

Risk Management 
Standard

Executive Committee
Allocate, evaluate, 
align

Risk Management 
Processes

Functional Managers
Manage, monitor, 
measure

Risk Management 
Tools

Employees
Identify, report, 
manage

Senex has now successfully completed its two natural gas projects 
in the Surat Basin, with production ahead of schedule. Accordingly, 
there is an overall reduction in the level of some key risks identified 
last year.  

Set out below are the material business risks for Senex as at 
30 June 2020. The risks summarised below are not an exhaustive 
list of risks that may affect Senex, nor are the risks listed in order 
of importance.

Operational risks

Exploration and development
Senex’s production growth is dependent on its ability to continue to 
discover, develop and deliver resources and reserves. 

Exploration outcomes are inherently uncertain and dependent 
on the acquisition and analysis of data and development of 
opportunities, and require the allocation of capital expenditure to 
these opportunities. Senex’s ability to deliver production growth 
may be impacted by the success of exploration and development 
efforts, including data acquisition.

To ensure the highest possibility of success, Senex analyses existing 
acreage for drilling prospects by applying best-in-class technologies 
and processes for exploration and development. Senex applies 
prudent expenditure management and forecasting to support 
capital funding of exploration and development activities. Senex 
considers partnering and farm-in opportunities to diversify risk.

Access and approvals
Senex’s ongoing Surat Basin activities include exposure to material 
non-technical risks, including securing and retaining land access, 
environmental requirements and water management. 

The Surat Basin co-exists with agricultural properties and 
population centres. Therefore, Senex operations require negotiated 
land access agreements and broader community relationships. 
These constraints have the potential to impact ongoing 
development and production in the Surat Basin.

Senex uses comprehensive project management practices and 
works closely with landholders, community and government 
to ensure it manages these risks to ensure mutually beneficial 
outcomes where possible.

Access to infrastructure
Senex operates the vast majority of the tenements it holds. 
However, the delivery of Senex-owned product to market is largely 
dependent on access to third-party infrastructure to process and 
transport Senex’s oil and gas. An inability to access this supporting 
infrastructure may result in production delays or increased costs 
for Senex.

Senex has long-term contractual rights to infrastructure and works 
closely with infrastructure suppliers and, where appropriate, explores 
alternative routes to market to diversify risk. Senex also maintains a 
prudent insurance program for a major business interruption event.

Safety and health
Oil and gas operations are subject to operating hazards which 
could result in harm to its workforce or others, which may in turn 
result in loss, regulatory fines and reputational damage. 

The identification, effective control and overall management of 
safety and health risks are the highest priority. Senex has detailed 
safety and health management plans that include auditing and 
verification processes. Senex continuously reviews its operational 
risks and processes to ensure it operates at the highest standards of 
safety management. In addition, Senex participates in industry safety 
organisations and committees that enable it to promote safety 
leadership and share good industry practice and lessons learned. 

During 2020, Senex responded quickly to the COVID-19 
pandemic ensuring operations continued without interruption. 
Senex’s objective in addressing COVID-19 was to meet or exceed 
government, World Health Organisation and industry guidelines. 
The Company acted early to protect Senex workers, operations and 
communities and ensure continuity of operations by implementing 
strict protocols to prevent the spread of the virus including travel, 
field and office access restrictions, provision of hygiene training and 
consumables, temperature checks and social distancing.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020RISK MANAGEMENT     49

Significant environmental incident
Senex’s operational activities involve the storage and transport of 
produced oil and gas as well as the generation of waste materials. 
These activities pose a risk of harm to the environment, the 
workforce and communities near Senex operations from an 
environmental incident or material non-compliance. 

In addition to environmental harm, impacts from an environmental 
incident or material non-compliance may include safety issues, 
reputational damage and regulatory enforcement action.

Senex’s environmental processes and robust environmental 
management system ensure we understand the potential risks and 
impacts of our activities and implement appropriate management 
strategies to prevent environmental harm and minimise the risk of an 
environmental incident or non-compliance.

Loss of key data or loss of access to key data
Senex’s business continuity may be impacted by the compromise of, 
or disruption to, corporate information, technology systems or data. 

Unauthorised access to Senex’s data, a cyber-attack or significant 
outages of key technology systems may result in serious business 
disruption including loss of data, loss of access to data, compromise 
or disruption of technology systems, privacy violation or damage 
to reputation.

Senex has key cybersecurity controls in place such as firewalls, 
restricted points of entry, multiple data back-ups and security 
monitoring software. Cloud-based systems also provide a higher 
level of redundancy, ease of remote access for staff and faster 
recovery in the event of significant outages. Senex provides 
cybersecurity training to staff in relation to governance and 
incident response.

Extreme weather events
Senex’s oil and gas operational activities may be interrupted by an 
extreme weather event such as flood, bushfire or storm. 

These extreme weather events may result in loss of production, 
delays in delivery of work programs or damage to infrastructure. 
These considerations are built into operational designs including 
contingency planning.  

Senex also has flood mitigation plans as well as emergency and crisis 
management frameworks in place to manage these risks. In addition, 
Senex maintains a prudent insurance program for a major business 
interruption event like an extreme weather event. 

Climate change
Climate change and management of carbon emissions may lead to 
increasing regulation and costs. 

There continues to be focus from governments, regulators and 
investors in relation to how companies are managing the impacts 
of climate change policy and expectations. Senex’s growth may be 
impacted by increasing regulation and costs associated with climate 
change and the management of carbon emissions.

Senex actively monitors current and emerging areas of climate 
change risk and opportunities to ensure appropriate action can be 
taken. Senex continuously focuses on improving its energy efficiency 
and emissions management in delivering cost efficiencies.

Financial risks

Commodity prices
The prices Senex receives for the oil and gas the Company 
produces are subject to volatility due to many factors including 
global oil prices, the AUD/USD exchange rate and spot and 
contract gas prices. 

Commodity prices and foreign exchange rates are subject to global 
economic forces. Movements in prices and exchange rates affects 
Senex’s revenue, cashflow and asset values. Sustained periods of 
low or declining commodity prices may impact the viability of growth 
projects and access to suitably priced long-term sources of funds.

Senex has an active price and currency hedging strategy. Senex 
manages its gas sales on a portfolio basis, priced through sales 
contracts including fixed-price AUD gas sales contracts. Senex 
pursues market opportunities for uncontracted gas. In addition, we 
continue to focus on production costs, demonstrating our capacity 
to operate effectively in a low-price environment.

Access to funding
Senex’s ability to fund operations and future growth is impacted by 
cashflow from operating activities and bank borrowings. 

Volatility or uncertainty in capital markets could restrict the 
willingness of debt and equity investors to provide additional 
capital, for example for growth opportunities. 

Senex’s cashflows are increasing as a result of the completion of 
the 2020 capital program. The Company’s future capital programs 
are largely discretionary and Senex adopts prudent expenditure 
management and forecasting which supports a Board-approved 
capital and operating budget. Senex actively seeks partnering 
opportunities to help fund key activities on a project-by-project 
basis, and is not reliant on equity markets.

Strategic risks

Significant regulatory change
A change of government policy and changes to relevant legislation or 
regulations may impact Senex’s finances or operations. 

Changes in legislation, regulation or policy may result from 
the election of new governments, political forces or external 
community pressure. These changes may impact on development, 
production and pricing of Senex products which, in turn, may 
impact Senex’s ability to provide sustainable returns for investors 
through profit erosion and loss of company value. Retrospective 
or unexpected regulatory changes also potentially impact on the 
longer-term viability of projects.

Senex actively monitors regulatory and political developments and 
constructively engages with government, regulators and industry 
bodies on an ongoing basis.

50    DIRECTORS' REPORT

Directors’ Report

Your Directors submit this Directors’ Report for the financial year ended 30 June 2020 (FY20).

The Financial Report covers Senex Energy Limited (the Company, the parent entity or Senex) and its 
controlled entities/subsidiaries (collectively known as the Group). The Group’s presentation currency is 
Australian dollars ($). 

Principal activities 

The principal activities of entities within the Group during the year were oil and gas exploration and 
production. There was no significant change in the nature of these activities in FY20. 

Directors 

The Directors who served at any time during or since the end of FY20 until the date of this report, 
their qualifications, experience and special responsibilities are set out on pages 46-47 and in the 
adjacent table.

Key Management Personnel (KMP) 

KMP of an entity for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001 and the Accounting Standards are 
those persons who have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities 
of the entity, directly or indirectly, including any director (whether executive or otherwise) of that entity. 
Directors are KMP irrespective of whether they operate in an executive or non-executive capacity. The 
Executive KMP are referred to in this report as Executives.

The KMP of the consolidated Senex entity in FY20 were the following individuals who served as 
Directors or as Executive KMP in FY20: 

Name

Non-Executive Directors

Trevor Bourne

Ralph Craven

Timothy Crommelin

Debra Goodin

Glenda McLoughlin

John Warburton

Position

Chairman, Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director

Independent Non-Executive Director 

Independent Non-Executive Director

Former Non-Executive Directors

Vahid Farzad

Non-Executive Director

Executive KMP – Executives

Ian Davies

Suzanne Hockey

Mark McCabe 

Peter Mills

David Pegg

Former Executive KMP

Gary Mallett

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Executive General Manager People and Performance 

Chief Financial Officer 

Chief Operating Officer 

General Counsel and Company Secretary 

Chief Financial Officer 

Details on each individual service as KMP for FY20 are set out on page 57 of the Remuneration 
Report. Details of the qualifications and experience of Directors are set out above an on pages 
46 to 47.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     51

Senex’s Executive Committee

Operating and financial review 

The Senex Executive Committee in FY20 comprised the CEO and the senior Executives who served as 
Executive KMP. The Executive Committee generally meets on a weekly basis to discuss strategic and 
operational matters. 

Company Secretary 

David Pegg is Senex’s General Counsel and Company Secretary. Details of Mr Pegg’s qualifications and 
experience are set out on page 11.

Corporate Governance 

Good corporate governance underpins the way Senex works and make decisions to sustainably 
create shareholder value. During FY20, Senex complied with all eight principles of the ASX Corporate 
Governance Principles and Recommendations (3rd Edition). Relevant governance practices were 
updated during the year to reflect the new 4th Edition of the ASX Corporate Governance Principles 
and Recommendations that come into effect from the end of FY20. Refer to Senex’s Corporate 
Governance Statement at senexenergy.com.au. 

Dividends 

No dividends have been paid or declared by Senex since the end of the previous financial year and no 
dividends have been paid or declared to the Company by any controlled entity during the year or to 
the date of this report. The balance of the franking account at the end of FY20 was $6,100,000 (end of 
FY19: $6,100,000).

The Group’s areas of strategic focus include oil and gas exploration and production in the Surat and 
Cooper-Eromanga Basins.

The Group’s sales revenue for FY20 was $120,269,000 (FY19: $94,094,000). The Group’s statutory 
net loss for FY20 was $51,367,000 (FY19: $3,295,000 profit). The Group’s underlying net profit for 
FY20 was $3,835,000 (FY19: $7,211,000). The reconciliation of underlying net profit after tax to 
statutory net profit after tax is set out on page 12 of this report.

A detailed operating and financial review is provided on pages 12-25 of this report. Material business 
risks are discussed on pages 48 to 49 of this report.

Table 1: Ordinary fully paid shares issued during FY20

Parent entity

FY20

FY19

Number of shares 

$,000 Number of shares 

$,000

Movement in ordinary fully paid shares 
on issue

Balance at the beginning of the period

1,453,069,535

540,468

1,447,271,094

540,213

Issues of shares during the period:

Exercise of unlisted options1

Vesting of Performance Rights 
(nil consideration)

Exercise of Performance Rights 
(nil consideration)2

Transaction costs on shares issued 
(net of tax)

-

-

-

4,750,332

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,000,000

255

-

4,798,441

-

-

-

-

Balance at the end of the period 

1,457,819,867

540,468

1,453,069,535

540,468

1.   No ordinary fully paid shares were issued (FY19: 1,000,000 for a price of 25.5 cents) for the exercise of unlisted options during 

the year held by the Managing Director.

2.   4,750,332 ordinary fully paid shares were issued during the year to senior executives in relation to short-term and long-term 

incentive rights and for employee Retention Rights.

52    DIRECTORS' REPORT

Directors’ interests in equity securities of the Company and related bodies corporate 

Environmental regulation and performance 

In FY20 the Company had on issue three kinds of equity securities – Shares, Performance Rights and 
Share Appreciate Rights (SARs). The glossary describes each of those equity securities. Table 2 shows 
the interests of the Directors in the Shares, Performance Rights and SARs of the Company as at the 
date of this report.

Table 2: Directors’ interests in Shares, Performance Rights and SARs 

The Group’s operations are subject to environmental obligations under Commonwealth and State 
environmental regulation. These regulations cover the entity’s exploration, development and production 
activities. Compliance with the applicable environmental regulatory requirements is addressed in the 
Company’s environmental management system. Compliance is monitored on a regular basis via the 
conduct of environmental audits by regulatory authorities, independent consultants and by Senex. No 
significant environmental breach or infringement was confirmed by any government agency in FY20.

Shares

Performance Rights

SARs

Class of security

Trevor Bourne

Ralph Craven

Timothy Crommelin

Ian Davies

Debra Goodin

Glenda McLoughlin

John Warburton

Vahid Farzad1

1,552,619

750,000

4,374,431

7,462,756

395,446

122,200

640,674

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1.   Mr Farzad is an executive of EIG Group, which held a relevant interest in Senex (resigned from the Board on 27 September 2019) 

In FY20 the only equity securities on issue in each related body corporate of the Company were fully 
paid ordinary shares, all of which were held by the Company. No Director had any interest in any equity 
security of any related body corporate of the Company. 

Significant changes in the state of affairs 

There was no other significant change in the state of affairs of the Group during FY20 that is not 
detailed elsewhere in this report. 

Significant events after reporting date 

Since the end of FY20, the Directors are not aware of any other matter or circumstance not otherwise 
dealt with in the report or financial statements that has significantly or may significantly affect the 
operations of the Company or the Group, the results of the operations of the Company or the Group, 
or the state of affairs of the Company or the Group in subsequent financial years.

Likely developments and expected results 

In FY20, the Group will continue to focus on its key operations. Further information on the likely 
developments and expected results are included in the review of operations on pages 16-25.

Share rights to unissued shares 

Table 3 is a summary of rights to Senex unissued shares (Performance Rights and SARs - all unlisted) as 
at the date of this report.

Type of security

Number

Exercise price Conditions

Vesting

Expiry

FY17 STI Rights

FY18 STI Rights

FY18 LTI Rights

545,182

324,494

3,895,131

FY18 Retention Rights

1,329,610

FY18 Retention Rights

FY19 STI Rights

FY19 LTI Rights

FY19 Strategic Business 
Milestone Rights

125,000

470,427

3,230,285

3,000,000

FY19 Retention Rights

1,759,790

FY20 STI Rights

FY20 LTI Rights 

2,367,961

5,101,493

2019 Retention Rights

125,000

2019 Retention Rights

3,626,350

2019 Retention Rights

300,000

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Nil

Performance and service

Jul 2018

Sep 2023

Performance and service

Jul 2019

Sep 2024

Performance and service

Sep 2020

Sep 2024

Service

Service

Dec 2019

Sep 2024

Jun 2020

Sep 2024

Performance and service

Jul 2020

Sep 2025

Performance and service

Sep 2021

Sep 2025

Performance and service Dec 2020

Sept 2025

Service

Dec 2020

Sep 2025

Performance and service

Jul 2021

Sep 2026

Performance and service

Sep 2022

Sep 2026

Service

Service

Service

Jun 2021

Sep 2026

Dec 2021

Sep 2026

Dec 2022

Sep 2026

Type of security

Number

Starting price Conditions

Vesting

Expiry

FY16 SARs – tranche 1

4,245,923

FY16 SARs – tranche 2

1,171,674

FY17 SARS – tranche 1

6,719,019

$0.146

$0.146

$0.248

Performance and service

Sep 2018

Sep 2022

Performance and service Aug 2018

Sep 2022

Performance and service

Sep 2019

Sep 2023

10,341,130

2,607,362

Table 3: Rights to Senex unissued shares 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     53

Movements in Performance Rights 

Indemnification and insurance of Directors and Officers 

From 1 July 2019 to the date of this report there have been the following movements in 
Performance Rights:

•  11,705,924 Performance Rights were issued
•  2,864,522 Performance Rights were exercised
•  5,223,343 Performance Rights expired and lapsed

In FY20, Senex incurred a premium of $502,674 (FY19: $272,760) to insure Directors and Officers 
of the Group. The premium increased due to additional insurance coverage and the effect of market 
conditions. The liabilities insured include costs and expenses that may be incurred in defending civil 
or criminal proceedings that may be brought against the Officers in their capacity as Officers of the 
Group. It is not possible to apportion the premium between amounts relating to insurance against legal 
costs and amounts relating to insurance against other liabilities. 

The terms of those Performance Rights, including vesting conditions (performance conditions and 
service conditions) are described in the Remuneration Report, pages 56 to 71. 

Directors’ meetings (unaudited) 

The holder of a Performance Right is not entitled, by virtue of the Right, to participate in any share 
issue of the Company or any related body corporate.

Table 4: The number of meetings of Senex’s Board of Directors and of each Board Committee held in 
FY20, and the number of meetings attended by each Director

Movements in SARs 

From 1 July 2019 to the date of this report there have been the following movements in SARs:
•  Nil SARs were issued
•  3,440,888 SARs were exercised
•  2,928,597 SARs expired and lapsed

Details of those movements are disclosed in the Remuneration Report, Table 11.

The terms of those SARs, including vesting conditions (performance conditions and service conditions) 
are described in the Remuneration Report, pages 56-71.

The holder of a SAR is not entitled, by virtue of the SAR, to participate in any share issue of the 
Company or any related body corporate.

Shares issued on exercise of SARs or Performance Rights 

From 1 July 2019 to the date of this report Senex issued:

•  2,162,594 shares to the Senex Employee Share Trust to provide to the holder of part FY16 LTI SARs 

on the exercise of their Rights on 16 September 2019

•  834,589 shares to the Senex Employee Share Trust to provide to a holder of part FY18 STI Rights 

on the exercise of their Rights on 30 July 2019, 21 August 2019 and 16 September 2019
•  1,348,330 shares to the Senex Employee Share Trust to provide to the holder of part FY18 

Retention Rights on the exercise of their Rights on 29 January, 26 February, 24 March, 22 April, 
26 June and 28 July 2020

•  479,729 shares to the Senex Employee Share Trust to provide to a holder of part FY17 STI Rights 

on the exercise of their Rights on 26 June 2020

•  201,874 shares to the Senex Employee Share Trust to provide to a holder of part FY19 STI Rights 

on the exercise of their Rights on 28 July 2020

Meetings of committees

Board meetings

Audit and Risk

People and 
Remuneration

Nomination 

A

12

12

11

12

12

12

1

B

12

12

12

12

12

12

2

A

6*

6

6

5*

6

6*

2*

B

6

6

6

6

6

6

2

A

5*

5

5*

5*

5

5

1*

B

5

5

5

5

5

5

2

A

1

1

1

1*

1

1

1

B

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Trevor Bourne

Ralph Craven

Timothy Crommelin

Ian Davies

Debra Goodin

John Warburton

Vahid Farzad ~

A = Number of meetings attended

B = Number of meetings held during the time the Director held office or was a member of the Committee during the year

*  = Not a member of the relevant Committee 

~ = Mr Farzad (resigned on 27 September 2019)

54    DIRECTORS' REPORT

Non-audit services

Auditor independence

A copy of the auditor’s independence declaration as required under s.307C of the Corporations Act 
2001 is set out on page 72.

Rounding

The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations (Rounding in Financial/Directors' Reports) 
Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, relating to the 
‘rounding off’ of amounts in a financial report or directors report. 

Unless otherwise indicated, amounts in the Directors' Report (including the Remuneration Report) have 
been rounded off in accordance with that legislative instrument to the nearest thousand dollars, or in 
certain cases, to the nearest dollar.

The Company’s auditor, Ernst & Young (Australia), undertook some non-audit services for Senex 
during the current year as disclosed in Note 24 to the financial statements. Table 5 details the services 
provided, and amounts received or receivable for those non-audit services: 

Table 5: Services provided and amounts received or receivable by Ernst & Young (Australia) for 
non-audit services

Fees for assurance services that are required by legislation to be provided 
by the auditor

Fees for other assurance and agreed-upon-procedures services under 
other legislation or contractual arrangements where there is discretion as 
to whether the service is provided by the auditor or another firm

Fees for other services 

• Tax compliance

• Due diligence

• IT implementation controls assessment

• Remuneration review

• Debt compliance

Total 

FY20 
consolidated 
($’000)

FY19 
consolidated 
($’000)

-

90

27

-

81

312

117

393

The Directors are satisfied that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with the general 
standard of independence for auditors imposed by the Corporations Act 2001. The nature and scope of 
each type of non-audit service provided means that auditor independence was not compromised. 

Pictured (opposite): Atlas began 
producing natural gas for the 
domestic market in December 2019.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     55

56    DIRECTORS' REPORT

Remuneration Report (audited)

Dear Shareholders,

I am pleased to present the Senex Remuneration Report for FY20. This 
report provides details of how Senex has approached remuneration in FY20 
for Non-Executive Directors and Senior Executives linked to the company’s 
strategy and performance outcomes. 

Remuneration framework and corporate strategy 

As Chair of the People and Remuneration Committee (Committee), I’d like 
to take this opportunity to outline our framework and decision-making 
process for setting and determining performance measures for remuneration. 
How that translates into remuneration outcomes for FY20 is detailed in the 
following pages.

The remuneration framework is intended to direct focus on our short and 
long-term strategic objectives, align Directors, Executives and staff with 
corporate objectives, drive company performance and provide a means to 
attract, retain and appropriately reward talented people. 

The Committee has been guided by the need to balance corporate and 
individual performance aligned with the corporate (short-term) objectives and 
(long-term) strategy for the period. Further detail around Senex’s corporate 
strategy for 2020 is outlined on page 62-63 of this Remuneration Report. 

2020 performance

COVID-19 and the response to the pandemic continues to influence the 
global economy. During 2020, we remained focused on the safety and 
wellbeing of our employees, contractors and communities. The introduction 
of stringent protocols and effective business continuity measures have 
ensured Senex can continue to operate safely and effectively. COVID-19 
also had a significant impact on oil prices and oil and gas demand generally.  
This led to a non-cash impairment this year (announced on 12 August 2020) 
and, to ensure our business is ready for these difficult macro-economic 
conditions, we’ve undertaken an organisational restructure.

Despite this and despite the uncertain landscape Senex has excelled, 
achieving its FY20 corporate performance measures. Our robust balance 
sheet, fixed price gas contracts and proactive hedging strategy provided 
resilient cashflows in a lower oil price environment.

In brief, the Senex team has delivered on its promises for FY20.  Senex 
successfully completed its capital works program for its Surat Basin natural 
gas development projects (Atlas and Roma North) and outperformed 
expectations for FY20 production, EBITDA and capital expenditure savings. 
The remuneration outcomes for FY20 reflect those achievements. 

The Board is extremely pleased with Senex’s performance in FY20, which has 
provided the foundation to achieve continued growth in production, earnings 
and cashflow.   

Focus for 2021 and beyond 

We will continue to maintain balance sheet strength, maximise the 
generation of free cashflow, grow organically in the medium-term maximising 
value from opportunities in and around our Surat Basin natural gas projects, 
and expand and diversify over time.  The remuneration framework for FY21 
and following two years will reflect this. 

In a time of rapid and widespread change, the Board remains cognisant of the 
need to ensure that the remuneration mix for senior executives is balanced, 
transparent and simple, and drives alignment with the creation of shareholder 
value. The Board will continue to set incentive targets which reflect Senex’s 
focus on delivering risk-adjusted returns for investors, sustained growth and 
value, and strong financial performance over the long-term. 

The Board remains committed to actively engaging with you to seek feedback 
and understand your perspectives on our remuneration arrangements.

Dr Ralph Craven

Independent Non-Executive Director  
People and Remuneration Committee Chair

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     57

3.  Governance

Figure 1 sets out Senex’s Remuneration Governance.

See the Corporate Governance Statement for additional details of the Board’s approach to 
remuneration. The Corporate Governance Statement is available at senexenergy.com.au.

Remuneration approach and governance
Senex has established three guiding principles as the foundation of its approach to remuneration. The 
Board believes this approach will promote the key outcomes necessary to deliver long-term growth in 
shareholder returns.

These guiding principles are:

1.  aligning remuneration outcomes with strategic, operational and financial goals;

2.  incentivising performance and rewarding performance outcomes fairly and reasonably; and

3.   striking a balance between short-term and long-term growth-related objectives providing an 

incentive for superior performance without encouraging irresponsible risk taking.

1.  Introduction 

Senex’s remuneration practices are aligned with the Company’s strategy of promoting long-term 
growth in shareholder returns whilst attracting and retaining Executives with the right capability to 
achieve results.

The information in this Remuneration Report has been audited.

2.  Directors and Executives

The Key Management Personnel (KMP) of the Group (being those whose remuneration must be 
disclosed in this Remuneration Report) include the Non-Executive Directors and those Executives who 
have the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the key activities of Senex 
directly or indirectly.

The Non-Executive Directors and Executives who were KMP for all or part of FY20 are identified in 
Table 1 below.

Table 1:  Key Management Personnel

Name

Position

Non-Executive Directors

Trevor Bourne

Debra Goodin

Chairman, Independent Non–Executive Director

Independent Non–Executive Director

John Warburton

Independent Non–Executive Director

Ralph Craven

Independent Non–Executive Director

Timothy Crommelin

Independent Non-Executive Director

Former Non-Executive Director 

Dates 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Full year 

Vahid Farzad

Non-Executive Director

Until 25 September 2019

Executive KMP 

Ian Davies

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Full year

Suzanne Hockey

Executive General Manager People and Performance 

Full year 

Mark McCabe 

Chief Financial Officer 

From 4 December 2019

Peter Mills

David Pegg

Chief Operating Officer

General Counsel/Company Secretary 

Full year

Full year 

Former Executive KMP 

Gary Mallett

Chief Financial Officer 

Until 10 October 2019

Note: Glenda McLoughlin was appointed as an Independent Non-Executive Director, after FY20 on 1 July 2020 and is not 
included in this Remuneration Report. 

58    DIRECTORS' REPORT

Figure 1: Remuneration governance 

Board 
The Board:

• 

• 

• 

 approves remuneration policies and framework, ensuring it complies with the guiding principles

 approves Non-Executive Director, CEO and Executive remuneration

 assesses and approves the award of incentives for the CEO and Executives giving due weight to performance 
whilst retaining discretion to determine the final outcome

• 

 approves the appointment of external remuneration consultants and advisors

People and Remuneration Committee 
The People and Remuneration Committee is delegated responsibility by the Board to review and make 
recommendations on:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Senex’s remuneration policies and framework

 remuneration of Non-Executive Directors

 remuneration of the CEO and Executives

 incentive arrangements of CEO and Executives

 alignment of the interests of employees with the interests of shareholders

•  ensuring the company values and culture is being embedded in the organisation

Composition: Dr Ralph Craven (Chair), Debra Goodin and John Warburton. 
(Glenda McLoughlin was appointed to the People and Remuneration Committee on 1 August 2020).

The People and Remuneration Committee Charter is available on the Senex website.

Management
• 

 Provide information and support to the People and Remuneration Committee as required

Consultation with shareholders and other stakeholders
The Board and the People and Remuneration Committee frequently consult with major 
shareholders, proxy advisors and other stakeholders.

Remuneration consultants and other external advisors
In performing their roles the Board and the Committee may directly commission and receive 
information, advice and recommendations from independent external advisors in relation to:

•  Executive remuneration

• 

• 

• 

 Non-Executive Director remuneration

 incentive measures

 other matters relevant to remuneration decisions

Any advice or recommendation provided by external advisors are used to assist the Board 
and People and Remuneration Committee and are not in substitution of the People and 
Remuneration Committee deliberations. 

The Board has adopted protocols to ensure any advice or recommendations from external 
advisors are commissioned directly by the People and Remuneration Committee Chairman 
and are free from undue influence of management. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     59

4.  Remuneration framework

Figure 2: Aligning remuneration and performance metrics with strategic objectives

Senex’s remuneration framework for each 
Executive comprises three components:

1.  total fixed remuneration

2.  short-term incentive and

3.  long-term incentive

Remuneration framework 
The structure is intended to provide 
an appropriate mix of fixed and 
variable remuneration and provide 
alignment between Executive and 
shareholder interests.

The incentives are intended to drive 
performance to deliver the Company’s 
short and longer-term business objectives. 

There were no significant changes in the 
FY20 STI structure from the previous year, 
except for the weighting between the 
corporate performance measure which 
represents 80% of STI (2019: 85%) and 
the individual performance metric which 
represents 20% of STI (2019: 15%). This 
change was to allow room for additional 
personal metrics for each Executive in 
relation to safety leadership.

Total Fixed Remuneration (TFR) 
(not ‘at risk’) comprises base salary 
including superannuation.

Short Term Incentive (STI) (‘at 
risk’) awarded on the achievement 
of performance conditions over 
a 12 month period. The STI (if 
achieved) is payable up to 50% in 
cash following the approval of the 
financial statements with the balance 
provided by the vesting of contingent 
Performance Rights subject to a 12 
month deferral and vesting condition.

Long Term Incentive (LTI) (‘at risk’) 
awarded on the achievement of 
performance conditions over three 
year periods and comprises only an 
equity component.

n
o
ti
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r
d
e
x
F

i

e
v
ti
n
e
c
n

i

m
r
e
t
-

t
r
o
h
S

e
v
ti
n
e
c
n
I

m
r
e
t
-
g
n
o
L

Performance metrics FY20

Alignment with strategic objectives

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 experience and qualifications

 role and responsibility

 reference to remuneration paid by comparable 
companies and industry-peer companies

 internal and external relativities

 talent retention

To attract and retain talented and qualified Executives 
with the right capability to achieve results and deliver 
value for shareholders

Corporate metrics (80% of STI grant) comprising:

• 

• 

• 

 safety and environment 

 project development 

 strategy review  

• 

• 

 safety and eliminating unintended environmental 
harm are paramount in all Senex’s operations and key 
to maintaining the Company’s license to operate. 

 delivering key projects (Roma North and Atlas) are the 
key levers to future de-risked cash-flow for Senex

Individual performance metrics (20% of STI grant) 

• 

 strategy review for future growth 

STI at risk: Maximum – 60% of TFR

FY20 LTI - performance against the metrics is measured 
over a three-year period.

Relative Total Shareholder Return (TSR) – FY20 100% 
of LTI grant and this is subject to a positive TSR over the 
performance period.

FY20 LTI at risk

• 

• 

 CEO – maximum 100% of TFR

 Other Executives – maximum 50% of TFR

See page 62 for further details of the STI performance 
metrics and outcomes for FY20

• 

 relative TSR is a measure of the return generated for 
Senex’s shareholders over the performance period 
relative to a peer group of companies being the S&P 
/ ASX300 Energy Index

See page 64 for further details of the LTI performance 
metrics and outcomes

 
 
 
 
60    DIRECTORS' REPORT

“At risk” remuneration
The maximum potential remuneration reflects the amount (at offer date) of total remuneration the 
CEO and Executive KMP could receive if the maximum STI and LTI are achieved.

The remuneration mix of the CEO and other Executive KMPs align with the interests of shareholders 
by having a greater portion of potential remuneration at risk thereby incentivising the achievement of 
both short- and long-term performance metrics.

Figure 3: FY20 maximum potential remuneration

CEO

Executive KMP

38%

24%

47%

29%

38%

24%

  Fixed Remuneration     

  STI (at risk)     

  LTI (at risk)

See section 7 (STI) and section 8 (LTI) for further details on the approach the Board takes to awards 
in relation to the ‘at risk’ remuneration and the performance metrics or hurdles that have been set for 
Executive KMP in order to secure their ‘at risk’ remuneration.

5.  Company performance financial year 2020

Performance snapshot
During FY20, Senex continued to grow with increased production, revenue and operating cashflow, 
while positioning the company to realise significant value from its enlarged portfolio of quality assets.

Senex has successfully delivered its transformational gas developments, with a major upgrade in gas 
reserves and the foundation established for continued growth in production, earnings and cashflow.  

Highlights include: 

•  $400 million Surat Basin development completed: 56 TJ/day of gas processing capacity constructed; 
80 wells drilled; portfolio of high-quality domestic gas customers in place; current gas production 
above 37 TJ/day, ramping to 48 TJ/day (~18 PJ/year) 

•  early works commenced on Roma North 24 TJ/day expansion: contracts agreed for Jemena to 

procure long-lead items, including compression equipment 

•  full-year FY20 production up 73% to 2.1 mmboe, at the top end of upgraded guidance: growth 

underpinned by a 278% increase in Surat Basin gas production to 1.2 mmboe (~7.2 PJ) 
•  EBITDA of $49.5 million at the top end of upgraded guidance; and with peak net debt now 

~$60 million (down from $80 million initially budgeted)

•  major Surat Basin gas reserves upgrade from successful drilling and production performance: 

108% increase in 1P reserves to 210 PJ; 21% increase in 2P reserves to 739 PJ 

Further information is summarised in the Operational and Financial review of this Report. 

Figure 4 below shows Senex’s share price compared with its peer group – represented by the ASX 300 
Energy Index – and the performance of Brent crude over the same period. 

Figure 4: Senex’s share price comparison over four years 

0.60

0.50

0.40

0.30

0.20

0.10

-
Jul 16

Jan 17

Jul 17

Jan 18

Jul 18

Jan 19

Jul 19

Jan 20

Jul 20

  Senex (11.8%)     

  ASX 300 Energy Index (10.2%)     

  Brent Crude (17.0%)

6.  Realised remuneration

Realised remuneration reflects the “take home pay” of the Executives KMP for FY20 and includes:

•  total fixed remuneration for FY20
•  the value of any STI from prior years that was awarded as deferred equity and actually received 

in FY20

•  any STI that was awarded as cash in respect of STI performance measures for FY20 and will be 

received after the end of FY20 and

•  any LTI from prior years that was awarded as deferred equity and actually exercised in FY20 valued 

at the share price on the date of exercise

Table 2 has been provided to ensure shareholders are able to clearly understand the remuneration that 
has been realised by the Executive KMPs in FY20. It has not been prepared in accordance with the 
disclosure requirements of the Australian Accounting Standards or Corporations Act 2001. See Table 7 
for Executive KMP remuneration disclosures in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards 
and Corporations Act.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     61

Table 2: Realised remuneration

Name

Current Executive KMP 

Ian Davies

Suzanne Hockey5

Mark McCabe6 

Peter Mills

David Pegg 

Former Executive KMP

Gary Mallett6 

Total Executive KMP

Year

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

TFR

$

850,000

850,000

308,000

385,000

292,566

-

610,000

504,478

425,000

385,000

175,291

500,000

2,660,857

2,624,478

STI (cash)1

STI (deferred)2

LTI (exercised)3

$

$

$

449,055

415,395

86,486

94,595

83,114

-

169,458

121,802

118,065

92,862

-

124,350

906,178

849,004

-

208,682

115,196

93,293

-

-

-

-

-

2,161,444

-

-

-

-

-

-

54,021

40,731

-

-

-

-

-

-

169,217

301,975

40,731

2,161,444

Other 4

$

21,931

18,824

4,933

7,096

2,534

-

4,933

9,473

4,933

7,096

17,343

38,901

56,607

81,390

Total

$

1,320,986

3,654,345

514,615

579,984

378,214

-

784,391

635,753

642,750

484,958

192,634

663,251

3,833,590

6,018,291

1.   STI (cash) comprises any STI that was awarded as cash in respect of short-term performance measures for FY20 and will be received after the end of FY20. For the CEO STI (cash) also includes FY19 STI deferred cash component. For FY20,  in respect of the STI 

awarded to Executive KMP (other than for the MD/CEO where the maximum equity grant was approved by shareholders at the 2019 AGM), each Executive has elected to take shares in Senex in lieu of the cash component of the FY20 STI award.

2.   STI (deferred) comprises the value of any STI from prior years that have been awarded as deferred equity (or cash for the MD/CEO) and actually received in FY20, with deferred equity valued at the share price on the date of vesting. 

3.   LTI (exercised) comprises any LTI from prior years that was awarded as deferred equity and actually exercised in FY20, valued at the share price on the date of exercise; and any shares issued in FY19 upon exercise of FY11 options. 

4.   Other comprises carparking, motor vehicle and travel related expenses. 

5.   Ms Hockey moved to a 0.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) role from 1 July 2019.

6.   Refer to Table 1 of this Remuneration Report for dates of service. 

Focus

Performance metric

Weighting % Performance outcome for FY20

D
L
O
H
S
E
R
H
T

T
E
G
R
A
T

H
C
T
E
R
T
S

62    DIRECTORS' REPORT

7.  Short-term incentive (STI)

Table 3: Short-term incentive performance metrics FY20

The STI is ‘at risk’ remuneration subject to the achievement of pre-defined performance metrics 
included in the corporate performance scorecard for the year (80 per cent of FY20 STI (FY19: 85 
per cent)) as well as individual performance of each Executive KMP (20 per cent of FY20 STI (FY19: 
15 percent)). Table 3 presents the corporate performance metrics, weightings and outcomes for FY20. 

At the commencement of each performance year the Board determines the corporate performance 
scorecard and metrics to be measured for that year (in this case, for the FY20 STI). The metrics 
generally have performance levels set as:

•  threshold being the minimum level of performance deserving of reward. Achievement of the 

Threshold results in 25% of the STI being awarded

•  target being a challenging but achievable level of performance. Achievement of the Target results in 

50% of the STI being awarded and

•  stretch being the upper limit of possible outcomes that were planned for and a very challenging goal 
that is unlikely to be achieved. Achievement of the stretch results in 100% of the STI being awarded

Any achievement between threshold and target, and target and stretch results in a prorated 
contribution of the STI being awarded. 

The short-term performance metrics and hurdles in the corporate performance scorecard were chosen 
to encourage outcomes and behaviours that support the safe operation and delivery of the base 
business while pursuing long-term growth in shareholder value.

Protecting 
our people 
and the 
environment   

Delivering 
what we 
promise

Safety statistics and safety culture 
performance

Continued excellence in environmental 
performance

Capital Delivery
•  production achieved
•  wells online
•  project capital costs

Financing and Commercial  
•  sale of Roma North facility 
•  milestones under debt facility

Stakeholder
•  preserving Senex’s reputation  

Strategy review implementation

20%

50%

10%

At the end of the performance year the Board determines the corporate performance rating for the 
year on the basis of the level of achievement against those metrics (and individual performance), and 
awards the STI to the CEO and Executive KMP.

Platform for 
growth

The STI awarded would ordinarily be paid up to 50 per cent in cash and the balance in deferred 
Performance Rights vesting in 12 months. For FY20,  in respect of the STI awarded to Executive KMP 
(other than for the MD/CEO where the maximum equity grant was approved by shareholders at the 
2019 AGM), each Executive has elected to take shares in Senex in lieu of the cash component of the 
FY20 STI award to align with shareholder outcomes.

Total Company Scorecard

80% of STI 
grant 

Other than for safety, stretch 
measures were achieved 

Individual 
performance

Individual measures set for each 
Executive KMP

20% of STI 
grant 

Refer below 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT     63

STI - FY20 corporate performance metrics and outcomes

Protecting our people and the environment
Safety: The Board has a strong focus on health and safety and recognises improved performance 
within Senex, but the Board and management agree that further improvement is required in respect 
of recorded safety statistics. Senex’s safety performance for FY20 was at Target level. There were two 
lost time injuries (LTI) but zero incidences with a major severity level. The company has a strong focus 
on major and serious injuries which is why this is specifically called out and measured. There was an 
improvement since FY19 across all safety metrics including the total recordable injury frequency rate 
(TRIFR), lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) and high potential incidents.  

The Board assessed the overall safety culture across the company and was satisfied with the 
improvement. This was demonstrated by senior executive site safety visits and interventions, team 
leader safety discussions, executive quarterly safety reviews, safety training, culture programs and 
whole-of-company safety initiatives, including safety stand-downs. In response to COVID-19, Senex 
enacted strict protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its people, while ensuring operations 
were uninterrupted. This included initiatives to address mental health risks associated with working 
from home and careful management of staff movement to field-based operations across borders and in 
relation to their interaction with local communities.

Environment: Senex achieved excellent environmental performance in FY20. Senex continued this 
with zero serious incidents.

Delivering what we promise
Capital delivery: Senex’s Surat Basin assets are the primary component of Senex’s near-term growth 
strategy. FY20 was a pivotal period for the focused delivery of these projects. This is a short-term 
delivery metric and an integral part of Senex’s strategic goal of building an east coast gas portfolio. 
Senex was successful in achieving the stretch hurdle for each of the following key delivery milestones:

•  production volumes were achieved ahead of schedule and with less wells drilled than originally 
planned.  80 wells were drilled and brought online during FY20. Due to better than forecast 
subsurface performance, expected production levels across the Surat projects were exceeded.  This 
resulted in 15 wells less than originally planned saving approximately $24 million from the drilling 
program. Senex also achieved best-in-class drill and complete cycle times for the drilling program;

•  project capital costs were approximately $30 million below budget. 

Financing and commercial: Senex completed the sale of the Roma North facility to Jemena for 
$50 million, improving liquidity and available capital, and progressed through all key milestones under 
the debt facility arrangements.

Stakeholder: Senex strives to be an active member of the communities where it works and a good 
neighbour. In FY20, Senex proudly continued its long-term partnerships focussed on building 
sustainability and resilience. Senex maintained its support of important local community initiatives 
despite the cancellation of many events due to COVID-19. Senex also shortened payment terms for 
more than 400 smaller businesses, expediting the payment of millions of dollars. 

Platform for growth
Strategy review implementation: In FY20, Senex conducted a formal strategy review to provide a 
platform for future organic and inorganic growth, with all review outcomes fully implemented. 

STI - FY20 individual Executive metrics and overall outcomes
The CEO’s individual performance measures for FY20 related to safety leadership, organisational 
capability and succession planning. The CEO was awarded 17% of the possible 20% of his individual 
KPI component of the STI, awarding a total of 93.6% of his total FY20 STI.

The other Executive’s individual performance measures were tailored to their respective roles and 
responsibilities and in all cases included assessment of contribution to safety leadership and corporate 
culture. On average the Executives were awarded 15.5% of the possible 20% in respect of the 
individual KPI component of the STI, awarding an average STI outcome of 92.1%.

FY21 STI 
Senex has now successfully established a resilient production and cashflow profile from the two natural 
gas projects in the Surat Basin (Atlas and Roma North), providing the foundation for our business 
going forward.  Senex has also had excellent drilling results at Atlas which, together with continued 
Roma North production outperformance, has driven a significant increase in gas reserves in the Surat 
(with Surat Basin 1P (proved) gas reserves up by over 100% and Surat Basin 2P (proved and probable) 
gas reserves up by over 20% during FY20).  The Board will include, as a major component of the STI 
framework for each year FY21 to FY23, delivery against a development plan to incentivise conversion 
of Senex’s large undeveloped reserves position into substantially increased production, earnings and 
cashflow in the near term. For FY21 and FY22, the maximum STI award (as a percentage of TFR) will 
be lower than in FY20, with a higher maximum STI award in the last year, FY23.

64    DIRECTORS' REPORT

8.  Long-term incentive (LTI) 

Table 4: LTI grant details

The Board offered an LTI opportunity to the CEO and other Executive KMP for FY20 (FY20 LTI) 
equivalent to 100 per cent of the CEO’s TFR and 50 per cent of Executive KMP’s TFR.

The LTI is ‘at risk’ remuneration subject to the achievement of pre-defined performance metrics 
over a three-year period. At the commencement of each performance year, the Board assesses and 
determines the performance hurdles for the LTI to be offered to the CEO and Executive KMPs and 
ensures the performance hurdles align with shareholder interests.

The LTI offered to the Executive KMP for FY20 was the same in structure to the LTI offered for FY19, 
which was 100% of the LTI is subject to one performance metric (being relative total shareholder 
return (TSR)).  The FY20 LTI offer comprised performance rights subject to this performance condition, 
a three-year service condition and there being a positive TSR.

Each performance right issued under the LTI to each Executive KMP entitles the relevant KMP to 
receive one share in Senex upon vesting. The number of performance rights issued is calculated by 
dividing the respective Executive KMP’s LTI maximum potential remuneration by the volume weighted 
average share price over the 10 days prior to the grant date.

The LTIs vest if and to the extent that the Board determines that the LTI performance condition is 
satisfied at the end of the three-year performance period and the executive is a Senex group employee 
on the vesting date.

Details of the LTI grants are set out in Table 4. For further details of the vesting and expiry dates in 
respect to the LTI grants see page 52 of the Directors’ Report. 

Grant 
year

2017

2018

2018

Grant type

Fair value at 
grant date $*

Vesting condition – 
performance metric

0.11

0.24

0.34

LTI Tranche 1 
(Performance 
Rights)

LTI Tranche 1 
(Performance 
Rights)

LTI Tranche 2 
(Performance 
Rights)

Relative TSR performance at or 
above 50th percentile against 
S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index 
(70%)

Relative TSR performance at or 
above 50th percentile against 
S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index 
(70%)

Strategic and Financial hurdles 
(30%) - see below for further 
details. 

Financial year 
or period

FY17-FY19

FY18-FY20

FY18-FY20

2019

LTI 
(Performance 
Rights)

0.23 - 0.31

Relative TSR performance at or 
above 50th percentile against 
S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index, 
with a positive TSR gate (100%)

FY19-FY21

Status

Vested in 
September 
2019

To be 
determined 
September 
2020

Determined 
and vested in 
July 2020

To be 
determined 
September 
2021

2019

0.23

SBM  
(Performance 
Rights)

Project Delivery (with a positive 
TSR gate) – see below for 
further details 

26 September 
2018 - 30 
December 
2020

To be 
determined 
in January 
2021

2020

LTI  
(Performance 
Rights)

0.15 – 0.23

Relative TSR performance at or 
above 50th percentile against 
S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index, 
with a positive TSR gate (100%)

FY20-FY22

To be 
determined 
September 
2022

*  Fair value of an award when granted is estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology and Black-Scholes valuation 

techniques which take into account a number of variables, including the share price when Rights are granted.  Refer to Note 15 
in the Financial Statements for additional detail. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     65

To achieve this LTI metric, Senex has responded to industry challenges and opportunities and built an 
east coast gas position and portfolio. The company has achieved these strategic goals and the Board 
has taken into account factors such as project delivery, capital efficiency, asset portfolio composition, 
operating cashflow generation and profit growth, operating performance, personal safety performance 
and process safety performance.  At the outset, the Board acknowledged that these metrics involve a 
level of subjective assessment which was seen as the best way to assess the step-change in Senex’s 
business over the longer-term. 

The Board assessed that the FY18 LTI strategic and financial goals (Tranche 2 for a maximum 
30% award) were successfully met and awarded the full FY18 LTI for this Tranche:

•  building a material supply position in the Australian east coast gas market

 During this period, Senex has established itself as an important supplier of gas to the east coast 
with more than 220 PJ of Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) volumes and approximately 620 PJ of 2P 
undeveloped gas reserves in the Surat Basin.  

•  pursuing growth of Senex’s asset portfolio that provides diversification and builds 

corporate capability

 Senex has achieved full exploration and production value chain capability, particularly in respect of 
unconventional gas development. Senex has successfully diversified away from oil to natural gas 
and oil-linked natural gas. Oil production mix at the end of FY17 was 100%.  By the end FY20, oil 
production as a percentage of overall production had reduced to 33%, and is forecast to comprise 
approximately 16% by the end of FY22 (as shown in the Foundation Asset Base Investor Briefing 
announced to the ASX on 11 March 2020).

•  continuing cost and operational leadership in low cost oil operations

 Operational performance has continued to excel in the Cooper Basin during the performance period 
and was demonstrated with an FY20 oil UOC (unit operating cost) 15% below budget. 

LTI performance metrics and outcomes

Total shareholder return (TSR) hurdles
The vesting of Performance Rights for the relative TSR Performance Condition is conditional on 
the Company achieving TSR at or above the 50th percentile of the TSR of a comparator group of 
companies (S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index) over the three-year performance period.

The S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index was chosen based on consideration of a number of factors including 
the number of constituents, its median volatility rank, its size and the fact that the group operates in 
largely the same industry and is faced with the same operational and economic risks as Senex.

TSR measures the growth in the price of shares plus cash distributions notionally reinvested in shares. 
The TSR of Senex over the performance period will be compared to the TSR of all of the companies 
in the peer group which are still listed at the end of the performance period. This is measured by 
reference to the share price from the grant date until the 10th day of share trading following release of 
Senex’s full year results for the last of the three financial years that the LTI relates to. 

The FY17 LTI included a component, being 70% of the maximum LTI, for relative TSR performance.  As 
indicated in the table above, this achieved the full award and vested in September 2019.

Each of the LTI offers for FY18 through FY20 include a relative TSR performance condition. 
Commencing FY19, the LTI offers also included a positive TSR gate. 

For FY21, the Board will change the relative TSR comparator, as further details on page 66 of this 
Remuneration Report. 

FY18 - Strategic and Financial Goals hurdle
In September 2017, the Board considered Senex’s portfolio and the changing nature of the Australian 
oil and gas market and saw an opportunity to position itself as an east coast gas participant. The 
Board set long-term metrics for expanding the company’s portfolio and, at the same time, maintaining 
excellence in oil exploration and production in the Cooper Basin.

To properly align executives with this strategic goal, the Board agreed these strategic long-term 
company goals:

•  building a material supply position in the Australian east coast gas market
•  pursuing growth of Senex’s asset portfolio that provides diversification and builds corporate 

capability and

•  continuing cost and operational leadership in low-cost oil operations

 
 
 
66    DIRECTORS' REPORT

FY18 – relative TSR
Tranche 1 of the FY18 LTI (Relative TSR) will be measured in September 2020, following the end of the 
performance period.  This comprises 70% of the potential FY18 LTI award.

FY19 and FY20 relative TSR and FY19 Strategic Business Milestone hurdle 
The Board considers the appropriate LTI structure every year and, for FY19 and FY20, elected to use a 
sole metric, relative TSR, and in each case subject to there being a positive TSR over the performance 
period. The Board took the view that the transformation of the company, by establishing the Atlas and 
Roma North natural gas projects, is best measured by the total relative shareholder return generated 
over the three-year periods (as compared with its peers).

Given the significant capital investment for FY19 - 20, the development of two significant natural gas 
projects in the Surat Basin, the delivery of material gas volumes into the Australian east coast gas market, 
and the transformational nature of these investments, the CEO was also offered additional LTI Rights 
in 2018, in the form of Strategic Business Milestone (SBM) Rights, as a way of ensuring leadership 
continuity through this transformational project development period and securing value for shareholders. 
The SBM Rights are ‘at risk’ remuneration subject to the achievement of pre-defined performance 
metrics. The value of the SBM Rights as at the grant date equates to 162% of the CEO’s FY19 TFR. 

The SBM offer to the CEO was approved by shareholders at the 2018 AGM and are described in detail 
in the Notice of Meeting and Explanatory Memorandum for the 2018 AGM. 

The agreed performance condition for the SBM Rights is that Senex’s natural gas projects in the Surat 
Basin (Atlas and Roma North) are delivered by the construction of key infrastructure, completion of 
the initial phase of development drilling and the commencement of commercial gas sales from each 
project. At the end of the milestone delivery period (31 December 2020), the board will assess delivery 
of the two projects against the pre-established development plans.

Vesting will be based on achievement of the milestone as assessed by the Board and is subject to there 
being a positive TSR over the milestone delivery period. 

Following the end of the milestone delivery period, SBM Rights that vest are subject to an exercise 
restriction of six months ending 30 June 2021.

FY21 LTI
The LTI structure for FY21 will remain essentially the same as it currently is; except that, given the 
reduction of companies within the S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index in recent years, the Board will for FY21 
assess relative total shareholder return (TSR), over the three-year (LTI) performance period, against two 
separate comparator groups (each with a 50% weighting) – the S&P/ASX 300 Index (less S&P/ASX 100 
Index) and a predetermined group of up to 15 energy companies. The LTI award, as has been the case 
for the last two years, will be subject to a positive TSR gate.

9.  Non-Executive Directors 

The Board seeks to set aggregate remuneration for Non-Executive Directors at a level that gives the 
Company the ability to attract and retain Directors of the highest calibre, whilst incurring a cost which is 
reasonable, competitive and acceptable to shareholders.

Maximum aggregate amount of annual remuneration 
Total Non-Executive Director remuneration must not exceed $1,200,000, being the amount 
determined by Senex shareholders at the 2017 AGM. The Directors agree the amount of remuneration 
for Non-Executive Directors each year and the manner in which it is divided between Directors.

Each year, the Committee reviews the amount of the maximum aggregate annual remuneration 
approved by shareholders and the manner in which it is apportioned amongst Non-Executive 
Directors. The Board’s current practice is to apportion a higher fee to the Chairman than to the other 
Non-Executive Directors. Each Non-Executive Director receives an additional fee for each Board 
committee to which they are appointed, with a higher fee for the chair of each Board committee.

In addition to the fees set out below, the Company made superannuation contributions on behalf of 
Non-Executive Directors at the statutory rate of superannuation contribution in FY20. Non-Executive 
Directors are not entitled to retirement benefits other than mandatory statutory entitlements.

Non-Executive Directors can claim fees for any activities outside normal duties (eg, site visits) at the 
daily rate of $2,500 plus superannuation and a half day rate of $1,250 plus superannuation as part of 
their remuneration, provided that it does not exceed the maximum aggregate annual remuneration.

Table 5: Annual fees for Non-Executive Directors* 

Board 

Audit & Risk Committee

People & Remuneration Committee

Chair 
$

220,000

25,000

25,000

Member 
$

110,000

12,500

12,500

* Membership of Nomination Committee is not paid and therefore is not applicable to this report 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Table 6: Non-Executive Director remuneration

DIRECTORS' REPORT     67

Short-term 
employment 
benefits

Post-employment

Directors' fees 
$

Superannuation 
$

Total 
remuneration 
$

220,000

220,000

147,500

147,500

122,500

122,500

147,500

147,500

127,500

132,500

26,603

27,198

791,603

797,198

20,900

20,900

14,013

14,013

11,638

11,638

14,013

14,013

12,113

12,588

2,527

2,584

75,204

75,736

240,900

240,900

161,513

161,513

134,138

134,138

161,513

161,513

139,613

145,088

29,130

29,782

866,807

872,934

Name

Non-Executive Directors 

Trevor Bourne

Ralph Craven 

Timothy Crommelin

Debra Goodin

John Warburton 

Former Non-Executive Director

Vahid Farzad1,2

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

Total Non-Executive directors 

2020

2019

1.  Payment is made to EIG for provision of directors’ service. 

2.   Refer to Table 1 of this report for dates of service.

 
68    DIRECTORS' REPORT

10.   Detailed remuneration disclosures 

The table below for Executive KMP remuneration is prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards and Corporations Act 2001.

Table 7: Executive KMP remuneration

Short-term employment benefits

Salary

Bonus2

Non monetary 
benefits

Post-
employment 
benefits

Superannuation

Long-term 
benefits

Long Service 
Leave

Name

Year

$

$

$

$

$

Current executive KMP

Ian Davies

Suzanne Hockey3

Mark McCabe4

Peter Mills

David Pegg

Former executive KMP

Gary Mallett4

Total executive KMP

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

2020

2019

828,997

829,469

286,997

364,469

278,895

-

588,997

485,312

403,997

364,469

165,677

479,469

2,553,560

2,523,188

238,680

412,718

86,486

94,595

83,114

-

169,458

121,802

118,065

92,862

-

124,350

695,803

846,327

21,931

18,824

4,933

7,096

2,534

-

4,933

9,473

4,933

7,096

17,343

38,901

56,607

81,390

21,003

20,531

21,003

20,531

13,671

-

21,003

19,166

21,003

20,531

9,614

20,531

107,297

101,290

34,331

30,282

1,498

0

0

-

0

0

12,805

8,459

0

0

48,634

38,741

Equity settled 
share-based 
payments 1

Rights

$

854,916

489,968

208,911

224,428

71,372

-

263,759

123,881

175,052

81,394

0

0

1,574,010

919,671

Proportion of compensation

Total 
remuneration

Performance 
related

In equity

$

1,999,858

1,801,792

609,828

711,119

449,586

-

1,048,150

759,634

735,855

574,811

192,634

663,251

5,035,911

4,510,607

%

55%

50%

48%

45%

34%

-

41%

32%

40%

30%

0%

19%

45%

39%

%

43%

27%

34%

32%

16%

-

25%

16%

24%

14%

0%

0%

31%

20%

1.   Share based payments comprise equity settled share options and performance 

2.   Bonuses comprise of STI that were awarded as cash in respect of short-term 

3.   Ms Hockey moved to a 0.8 full-time equivalent (FTE) role from 1 July 2019

rights. These amounts were calculated in accordance with AASB2 – Share Based 
Payments. Share options were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model 
and performance rights are calculated using the Monte-Carlo valuation model. 
Although a value is ascribed and included in total KMP compensation, it should be 
noted this amount was not received in cash. Share based payment expenses recorded 
in previous periods have been reversed for any Executive KMP who have or will have 
ceased employment.

performance measures for FY20 and will be received after the end of FY20 (and 
FY19 for prior year). For FY20,  in respect of the STI awarded to Executive KMP 
(other than for the MD/CEO where the maximum equity grant was approved by 
shareholders at the 2019 AGM), each Executive has elected to take shares in Senex 
in lieu of the cash component of the FY20 STI award.

4.   Refer to Table 1 of this report for dates of service.

Note: The benefit of the Directors & Officers insurance policy is not included in the 
above table and is disclosed separately in the Directors’ Report.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
DIRECTORS' REPORT     69

The employment agreement that the Company has entered into with each member of Executive 
KMP has no fixed-term of employment. Table 8 sets out the termination provisions applicable to the 
Executive KMP.

Shareholding guidelines  
Executive KMP are expected to build a holding of shares or vested rights of greater than 50% of their 
TFR within a three-year period. 

Table 8: Current Executive KMP Service Agreements

Name

Ian Davies

Suzanne Hockey

Mark McCabe 

Peter Mills

David Pegg

Duration of service

Notice period and payment in lieu

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

Ongoing

6 months

4 months

4 months

4 months

4 months

6 months

4 months

4 months

4 months

4 months

The terms of all Senex executive employment agreements include an obligation to comply with all 
Senex policies including the Securities Trading Policy and the terms and conditions of all incentive plans 
under which they may be granted STI or LTI performance related remuneration.

Commencing 19 August 2019, Non-Executive Directors are expected to accumulate and hold a 
minimum number of ordinary shares in the Company which is of equal value to the Non-Executive 
Director’s annual base director fee applicable from time to time, either: 

a)   progressively over three years from the date of appointment (for new directors); or 

b)   within three years from the date of commencement of this requirement (for existing directors). 

All Executive KMP and Non-Executive Directors have met, or are on track to meet, their minimum 
shareholding requirement within the time period. The Company offers Performance Rights to 
Executive KMP as part of their incentive (eg. STI or LTI) remuneration and in previous years has offered 
performance rights, share appreciation rights (SARs) and Options, to provide them with additional 
incentive to develop Senex and create value for shareholders. Offers of such incentives form part of 
Executive KMP remuneration packages. 

Table 9: KMP Shareholdings as at 30 June 2020

A summary of the Performance Rights and SARs held by Executive KMP is set in Tables 10 and 11. 

Name

Balance at 
start of year

Granted as 
compensation

Shares issued on 
exercised Rights/ SARs

Net other 
changes

Balance at the 
end of year 

Refer to page 52 of the Directors’ Report for further details of the vesting dates and expiry dates. There 
has been no change to the terms and conditions of the Performance Rights in FY20. 

Non-Executive Directors 

Trevor Bourne

Ralph Craven

552,619

500,000

Timothy Crommelin 

4,074,431

Debra Goodin 

John Warburton 

Vahid Farzad1,2

Executive KMP 

Ian Davies

Suzanne Hockey

Mark McCabe2

Peter Mills

David Pegg

Gary Mallett2

242,435

512,133

-

6,369,030

277,335

-

-

257,739

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,000,000

1,552,619

250,000

300,000

117,011

128,541

-

750,000

4,374,431

359,446

640,674

-

479,729

614,000

7,462,759

-

-

-

433,073

-

-

250,000

-

-

-

277,335

250,000

-

690,812

-

1.   Mr Farzad is a nominee of EIG Group which held a relevant interest in shares.

2.   Refer to Table 1 of this report for dates of service.

70    DIRECTORS' REPORT

Table 10: Performance Rights

Name

Balance at start 
of year

Granted as 
compensation

Vested

Forfeited 

Exercised 

Balance at end 
of year 

Value of rights 
granted

Value of rights 
vested

Value of rights 
forfeited

Vested

Forfeited 

Executive KMP 

Ian Davies 

Suzanne Hockey

Mark McCabe1 

Peter Mills 

David Pegg

Gary Mallett1

Total 

8,511,076 

2,309,783

1,669,049 

 -   

670,503 

851,551 

893,478 

624,118

1,020,116

1,093,591

779,320

 -   

 -   

324,494 

 -   

 -   

433,073 

-

12,595,657

5,826,928

757,567

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

 -   

(893,478)

(893,478)

(479,729)

10,341,130

 -   

 -   

 -   

(433,073) 

-

2,293,167

1,020,116

1,764,094

1,197,798

-

441,169

190,092

247,973

310,935

224,635

-

-

86,640

-

-

134,732

-

(912,802)

16,616,305

1,414,804

221,372

-

-

-

-

-

(318,236)

(318,236)

$

$

$

%

-

19%

-

-

51%

-

6%

%

-

-

-

-

-

(100%)

(7%)

1. Refer to Table 1 of this report for dates of service. 

Table 11: Share Appreciation Rights 

Name

Balance at start 
of year

Granted as 
compensation

Vested

Forfeited

Exercised

Balance at end 
of year

Value of rights 
granted

Value of rights 
vested

Value of rights 
forfeited

Vested

Forfeited

$

$

$

%

%

Executive KMP 

Ian Davies 

Suzanne Hockey

Total

 3,590,400 

 2,830,696 

 6,421,096 

 -   

 -   

 -   

 2,607,362 

 1,165,644 

(983,038)

(439,476)

 3,773,006 

(1,422,514)

 -   

 -   

 - 

2,607,362 

2,391,220 

4,998,582 

-

-

-

278,206

133,000

411,206

(123,961)

(57,000)

(180,961)

73%

41%

59%

27%

16%

22%

Note: No other Executive KMP except those named above hold SARs. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020DIRECTORS' REPORT     71

11. Additional information 

Remuneration consultants 
From time to time the Committee seeks certain information and advice regarding remuneration 
information and incentive arrangements for Non-Executive Directors, the CEO and Executives from 
external remuneration consultants. During FY20 the Committee engaged EY to provide general market 
information only, totalling $20,000. EY did not provide advice that contained recommendations relating 
to remuneration, benchmarking or performance outcomes.

Vesting on change of control
The Senex Performance Rights Plan and the Senex SARs Plan provide that in the event of change of 
control of the Company all:

•  unvested Performance Rights and unvested SARs that are subject only to a service condition will 

vest immediately on change of control

•  unvested Performance Rights and unvested SARs that are subject to a performance condition will be 
tested for satisfaction of the performance condition on two alternative bases, and to the extent that 
the performance condition is satisfied under those tests part or all of those unvested Performance 
Rights and unvested SARs will vest immediately on change of control

•  vested Performance Rights and vested SARs (including those that vest on change of control) will be 

deemed to have been exercised at the time the change of control occurs

The Board has an overriding discretion to vest or increase vesting of unvested Performance Rights and 
unvested SARs in the event of change of control.

Method of purchasing or issuing shares  
Pursuant to the Senex Performance Rights Plan and the Senex SARs Plan the Company will provide the 
award shares by transferring or issuing them to the Participant or to an employee share trust on behalf 
of the Participant. 

Senex has established an employee share trust to allocate and administer the Plans. Historically, the 
Company has issued new shares and has not bought shares on market.

Clawback mechanism
In addition to the approach to “at risk” remuneration, each offer of STI or LTI to Executive KMP 
(where one is offered) contains a right for the Company to clawback in certain circumstances incentive 
remuneration that is provided to the executive. 

In the event that:

•  any measure of the Company’s performance against an STI or LTI performance condition is 

misstated; and

•  any incentive remuneration vests incorrectly in reliance on the misstated level of performance,

the Board has a right exercisable at its discretion upon subsequent discovery of the misstatement, to 
clawback, out of any unvested and any vested but unexercised entitlements, that the executive holds 
at that time or subsequently, the amount or value of any incentive remuneration that vested incorrectly 
in reliance of the misstated level of performance.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of Directors. 

Trevor Bourne  
Chairman 

21 August 2020

Ian Davies
Managing Director

72   AUDITORS' INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 

Auditors’ Independence Declaration

Tel: +61 2 9248 5555
Fax: +61 2 9248 5959
ey.com/au

Ernst & Young
200 George Street
Sydney  NSW  2000 Australia
GPO Box 2646 Sydney  NSW 2001

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Senex Energy Limited 

Ernst & Young
200 George Street
Sydney  NSW  2000 Australia
GPO Box 2646 Sydney  NSW 2001

Tel: +61 2 9248 5555
Fax: +61 2 9248 5959
ey.com/au

As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Senex Energy Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2020, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there 
have been: 

a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and   

Auditor’s Independence Declaration to the Directors of Senex Energy Limited 

b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Senex Energy Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial year. 

As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Senex Energy Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2020, I declare to the best of my knowledge and belief, there 
have been: 

a) no contraventions of the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and   

Ernst & Young 

b) no contraventions of any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit. 

This declaration is in respect of Senex Energy Limited and the entities it controlled during the financial year. 

Anthony Jones 
Partner 
Date:  21 August 2020 
Ernst & Young 

Anthony Jones 
Partner 
Date:  21 August 2020 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     73

Financial statements
for the Year Ended 30 June 2020

Contents

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity 

Notes to the Financial Statements 

Directors’ Declaration  

Independent Auditors’ Report 

74

75

77

78

79

116

117

 
74    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

Revenue

Other income

Expenses excluding net finance costs

Oil and gas exploration expense

Impairment

Finance expenses

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax benefit/(expense)

(Loss)/profit after tax

Net (loss)/profit attributable to owners of the parent entity

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss (net of tax)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period attributable to owners of parent entity

(Loss)/earnings per share attributable to the ordinary equity holders of the parent entity:

Basic (loss)/earnings (cents per share)

Diluted (loss)/earnings (cents per share)

The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

30 June 2020

30 June 2019

Note

2 (a)

2 (b)

3 (a)

3 (b)

3 (c)

16

4

4

$'000

121,519

3,019

(110,962)

(2,782)

(52,145)

(10,016)

(51,367)

 - 

(51,367)

(51,367)

3,657

(47,710)

(3.53)

(3.53)

$'000

95,350

7,161

(86,105)

(11,327)

 - 

(1,784)

3,295

 - 

3,295

3,295

4,550

7,845

0.23

0.22

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

AS AT 30 JUNE 2020

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Prepayments

Trade and other receivables

Inventory

Other financial assets

Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Oil and gas properties

Exploration assets

Intangible assets

Other financial assets

Total non-current assets

TOTAL ASSETS

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     75

30 June 2020 

30 June 2019

Note

$'000

$'000

9

5

11

21

5

7

7

7

17

11

79,908

590

19,965

6,725

9,558

116,746

 - 

116,746

49

249,196

292,512

46,707

4,133

348

592,945

709,691

62,669

1,457

27,385

10,393

3,429

105,333

50,941

156,274

49

57,683

208,530

75,018

5,163

949

347,392

503,666

 
 
 
 
76    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

AS AT 30 JUNE 2020

TOTAL ASSETS

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions 

Other financial liabilities

Lease liabilities

Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Provisions 

Interest bearing liabilities

Other financial liabilities

Lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY

Contributed equity 

Reserves

Accumulated losses

TOTAL EQUITY

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Note

30 June 2020 

30 June 2019

$'000

709,691

$'000

503,666

6

8

11

10

21

8

9

11

10

12

13

31,444

9,129

872

2,649

44,094

 - 

44,094

66,290

116,314

1,700

170,883

355,187

399,281

310,410

540,468

28,804

(258,862)

310,410

31,877

6,131

348

 - 

38,356

4,941

43,297

63,352

40,006

1,215

 - 

104,573

147,870

355,796

540,468

22,823

(207,495)

355,796

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Payments for exploration expenditure

Payments for rehabilitation of wells

Interest received

Interest paid

Receipts from commodity hedges

Reimbursement of third-party costs

Other receipts

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Payment for oil and gas assets, plant and equipment and intangibles

Proceeds from free carry funding

Proceeds from sales of oil and gas properties and plant and equipment

Net cash outflow from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from shares issues

Proceeds from debt funding

Payments for debt facility costs

Payment of principal portion of lease liabilities

Payments to Halliburton under tight oil agreement

Net cash inflow from financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Net foreign exchange differences

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

The Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     77

30 June 2020

30 June 2019

Note

$'000

$'000

125,939

(75,613)

(5)

(349)

775

(8,207)

6,579

 - 

2,426

51,545

(160,794)

4,794

50,154

(105,846)

 - 

75,000

(343)

(2,984)

(164)

71,509

17,208

31

62,669

79,908

110,104

(60,061)

(9,348)

(295)

1,281

(1,495)

100

2,576

1,659

44,521

(112,367)

21,006

431

(90,930)

255

50,000

(7,769)

 - 

(239)

42,247

(4,162)

290

66,541

62,669

19

9

 
 
 
 
78    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

The following table presents the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2020:

Balance at 1 July 2019

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive loss

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity:

Share-based payments expense

Balance at 30 June 2020

Contributed 
equity

$'000

540,468

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

540,468

Accumulated 
losses

Share-based  
payments reserve

$'000

(207,495)

(51,367)

 - 

(51,367)

 - 

(258,862)

$'000

19,415

 - 

 - 

 - 

2,324

21,739

The following table presents the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2019:   

Balance at 1 July 2018

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income

Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity:

Shares issued

Share-based payments expense

Balance at 30 June 2019

Accumulated 
losses

Share-based  
payments reserve

Contributed 
equity

$'000

540,213

 - 

 - 

 - 

255

 - 

$'000

(210,790)

3,295

 - 

3,295

 - 

 - 

540,468

(207,495)

$'000

17,992

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

1,423

19,415

Hedging  
reserve

$'000

3,408

 - 

3,657

3,657

 - 

7,065

Hedging  
reserve

$'000

(1,142)

 - 

4,550

4,550

 - 

 - 

3,408

Total

$'000

355,796

(51,367)

3,657

(47,710)

2,324

310,410

Total

$'000

346,273

3,295

4,550

7,845

255

1,423

355,796

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     79

About these financial statements

Basis of consolidation

The financial statements of Senex Energy Limited (the Company) and its controlled entities (collectively 
known as “the Group”) for the year ended 30 June 2020 were authorised for issue on 21 August 2020 
in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

The Company is:

•  a company limited by shares
•  incorporated and domiciled in Australia
•  publicly traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX code: SXY)
•  a for-profit entity for the purpose of preparing the financial statements

The principal activities of entities within the Group during the year was oil and gas exploration, 
development and production. 

The financial report is a general purpose financial report, which:

•  has been prepared in accordance, and complies, with the requirements of the Corporations Act 
2001, Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian 
Accounting Standards Board (AASB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued 
by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB)

•  has been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and 

contingent consideration that have been measured at fair value

•  is presented in Australian dollars ($) and all values are rounded to the nearest thousand ($’000) 
except when otherwise indicated. The Company is of a kind referred to in ASIC Corporations 
(Rounding in Financial/Directors' Reports) Instrument 2016/191, issued by the Australian Securities 
and Investments Commission, relating to the ‘rounding off’ of amounts in the financial statements

•  presents reclassified comparative information if required for consistency with the current 

year’s presentation

•  adopts all new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the AASB that are 
relevant to the Group and effective for reporting periods beginning on or before 1 July 2019. Refer 
to Note 29 for further details

•  does not early adopt Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have been issued or amended 

but are not yet effective

The consolidated financial statements comprise the financial statements of the Group. 

The controlled entities are all those entities over which the Group has power, exposure or rights to 
variable returns from its involvement with the entity, and the ability to use its power over the entity to 
affect its returns.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, all intercompany balances and transactions, income 
and expenses and profit and losses resulting from intra-group transactions have been eliminated in full. 

The controlled entities are fully consolidated from the date on which control is obtained by the Group 
and cease to be consolidated from the date on which control is transferred out of the Group.

A change in the ownership interest of a subsidiary that does not result in a loss of control is accounted 
for as an equity transaction.  If the Group loses control over a subsidiary, it derecognises the related 
assets (including goodwill), liabilities, non-controlling interest and other components of equity, while any 
resultant gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. Any investment retained is recognised at fair value.

Foreign currency translation

The functional and presentation currency of Senex Energy Limited and its controlled entities is 
Australian dollars (AUD). 

Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the functional currency by applying the 
exchange rates at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign 
currencies are translated at the rate of exchange at the reporting date and any resulting gain or loss is 
taken to profit or loss.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
80    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Other accounting policies 

NOTE 1: OPERATING SEGMENTS

Significant and other accounting policies that summarise the measurement basis used and are 
relevant to an understanding of the financial statements are provided throughout the notes to the 
financial statements.

The notes include information which is required to understand the financial statements and is material 
and relevant to the operations, financial position and performance of the Group. Information is 
considered material and relevant if, for example: 

•  the amount in question is significant because of its size or nature
•  it is important for understanding the results of the Group
•  it would influence the economic decisions that users make
•  it helps to explain the impact of significant changes in the Group’s business – for example, 

acquisitions, disposals and impairment write-downs

•  it relates to an aspect of the Group’s operations that is important to its future performance

Significant accounting estimates and judgements
In the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies, management has made a number of judgements 
and applied estimates of future events. Judgements and estimates which have been considered material to 
the financial statements are found in the following notes:

Note 

Type of judgement or estimate

7 

8 

Impairment of oil and gas properties, exploration assets and inventory

Rehabilitation obligations

Reserves estimates
Reserves are estimates of the amount of product that can be economically and legally extracted from 
the Group’s properties. Estimates of recoverable quantities of proven and probable reserves include 
assumptions regarding commodity prices, foreign exchange rates, discount rates, production and 
transportation costs for future cash flows. It also requires interpretation of complex geological and 
geophysical models in order to make an assessment of the size, shape, depth and quality of reservoirs and 
their anticipated recoveries. 

Changes in the estimate of reserves can impact:

•  asset carrying values due to changes in estimated future production levels
•  provision for rehabilitation due to the potential to impact the timing and cost of rehabilitation
•  recognition of deferred tax assets due to changes in the likely recovery of tax benefits
•  charge for depreciation and amortisation particularly where the charge is determined on a units of 

production basis

An operating segment is a component of an entity that engages in business activities from which it 
may earn revenues and incur expenses (including revenues and expenses relating to transactions with 
other components of the same entity), whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the entity's 
chief operating decision makers to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment; and 
assess its performance; and for which discrete financial information is available. 

Identification of reportable segments
The Group has identified its operating segments based on the internal reports that are reviewed and 
used by the executive leadership team in assessing performance and in determining the allocation 
of resources. 

The operating and reportable segments are based on the geographical location of the resources which 
correspond to the Group’s strategy, are the sources of the Group’s major risks and have the most effect 
on the rates of return. 

Geographical segments

Surat Basin
The Surat Basin is a geological basin in Queensland and extending into New South Wales.

Cooper-Eromanga Basins
The Cooper-Eromanga Basins are sedimentary geological basins located mainly in the north east part of 
South Australia and extending into South West Queensland.

Major customers
The Group sells gas and gas liquids to a range of customers including GLNG, ENGIE, Santos, CleanCo, 
CSR, Orora and Origin Energy.

Oil revenue is predominantly derived from the sale of crude oil to two major customers: the South 
Australian Cooper Basin Joint Venture (SACB JV) and IOR Petroleum. The SACB JV is a consortium of 
buyers made up of Santos Limited and, Beach Energy Limited and their subsidiaries. 

All customers are located within Australia.

Accounting policies 
The accounting policies used by the Group in reporting segments internally are the same as those used 
to prepare the financial statements.

Certain revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities are not allocated to operating segments as they are 
not considered part of the core operations of any segment.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     81

NOTE 1: OPERATING SEGMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents the revenue and profit information for reportable segments for the year ended 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019:

Revenue

Oil sales1

Gas sales

Total segment revenue from contracts with customers

Flowline revenue

Total segment revenue and revenue per the statement of comprehensive income

Surat Basin

Cooper-Eromanga Basins

Total

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

 - 

54,147

54,147

 - 

54,147

2019 
$'000

 - 

12,968

12,968

 - 

12,968

2020 
$'000

59,126

6,996

66,122

1,250

67,372

2019 
$'000

76,567

4,559

81,126

1,256

82,382

2020 
$'000

59,126

61,143

120,269

1,250

121,519

2019 
$'000

76,567

17,527

94,094

1,256

95,350

Segment profit/(loss)2

999

(1,465)

(36,662)

24,251

(35,663)

22,786

Reconciliation of segment profit/(loss) before tax to total (loss)/profit before tax

Corporate items:

Interest income

Other income

Interest expense

Expenses excluding net finance costs

(Loss)/profit before tax per the statement of comprehensive income

1   Inclusive of $7.4 million hedge settlements, net of premium expense (2019: $0.2 million hedge settlement net of premium) and fair value gains/(losses) on provisionally priced trade receivables. 

2   Cooper-Eromanga Basin result is stated after $52.1 million impairment expense (2019: $nil).  

558

2,041

 - 

(18,303)

(51,367)

927

(5)

(124)

(20,289)

3,295

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: OPERATING SEGMENTS (Continued)

The following table presents segment assets and segment liabilities at 30 June 2020 and 30 June 2019: 

Segment assets

Segment operating assets

Assets held for sale

Corporate assets - cash

Corporate assets - other

Total assets per the statement of financial position

Segment liabilities

Segment operating liabilities

Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale

Corporate liabilities

Total liabilities per the statement of financial position

Consolidated

Surat Basin

Cooper-Eromanga Basins

Total

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

440,747

158,150

166,270

213,407

607,017

371,557

 - 

79,908

22,766

709,691

313,497

69,535

56,080

55,480

369,577

50,941

62,669

18,499

503,666

125,015

4,941

17,914

147,870

10,944

34,551

90,746

136,241

7,510

143,751

 - 

29,704

399,281

173,024

15,216

136,276

324,516

13,152

337,668

Additions and acquisitions of non-current assets (other than financial assets and deferred tax assets):

Property, plant and equipment and intangibles1

Exploration assets

Oil and gas properties

Total segment additions

Corporate additions1

Total additions

169,973

1,471

135,457

306,901

3,872

13,899

82,076

99,847

3,051

13,745

819

17,615

7,072

20,652

8,670

36,394

1  Inclusive of right of use asset additions of $160.9 million in the Surat Basin, $1.3 million in the Cooper-Eromanga Basin and $11.2 million in Corporate.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     83

PERFORMANCE 
NOTE 2: REVENUE

Recognition, measurement and performance obligations

Revenue 
Revenue is recognised when the Group transfers control of goods to a customer at the amount to 
which the Group expects to be entitled. Where the sale price includes a variable component, the 
Group estimates the price it will be entitled to for fixed and variable services at the time the revenue is 
recognised. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue from the sale of produced hydrocarbons is recognised at a point in time when control of the 
asset is transferred to the customer, which is typically on delivery of the goods as specified below.

Gas and gas liquids sales
The performance obligation for the sale of gas and gas liquids is satisfied when physical possession of 
the gas or gas liquid is taken at the contractually agreed point of delivery.  Payment is generally received 
30 days from delivery and is recognised directly in ‘Trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing)’.

Oil sales
The performance obligation for sales to the SACB JV is satisfied when physical possession of the 
oil is taken by the customer. Payment is generally received within 80 to 100 days.  Oil revenue is 
provisionally priced until approximately 60 to 80 days after delivery and is recognised as ‘Trade 
receivables (subject to provisional pricing)’ during this period. When pricing is finalised, oil sales are 
transferred to ‘Trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing)’.  

The performance obligation for sales to IOR Petroleum is satisfied when physical possession of the 
oil is taken.  Payment is generally received 30 days from delivery and is recognised directly in ‘Trade 
receivables (not subject to provisional pricing)’.

Flowline revenue
Flowline revenue represents third-party charges for usage of flowlines for transport of oil from Lycium 
to Moomba. Revenue is recognised in the period in which the third party has used the flowline.

Interest income
Revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of 
calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant 
period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash 
receipts through the expected life of the financial asset.

Farm-outs and terminations outside the exploration and evaluation phase
When a farm-out is completed outside the exploration and evaluation phase, the Group derecognises 
the proportion of the asset disposed of and recognises the consideration received or receivable from 
the farmee. A gain or loss on the transaction is recognised for the difference between the net disposal 
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset disposed of. 

The proceeds receivable from disposal of an item of property, plant and equipment or an intangible 
asset is recognised initially at its fair value. If payment for the item is deferred, the proceeds are 
recognised initially at the cash price equivalent. The difference between the nominal proceeds and the 
cash price equivalent is recognised as interest revenue.

Consolidated

(a) Revenue from contracts with customers

Oil sales1

Gas and gas liquids sales

Other revenue

Flowline revenue

(b) Other income

Net gain on sale of assets

Net gain on termination of unconventional gas joint venture

Interest income

Other

2020 
$'000

59,126

61,143

120,269

1,250

121,519

312

 - 

558

2,149

3,019

2019  
$'000

76,567

17,527

94,094

1,256

95,350

54

5,400

927

780

7,161

1   Inclusive $7.4 million hedge settlements, net of premium expense (2019: $0.2 million hedge settlement net of premium) and 

fair value gains/(losses) on provisionally priced trade receivables. 

Disaggregated revenue information
Disaggregated revenue information by segment can be found in Note 1.  All revenue from customer 
contracts is derived in Australia and relates to goods transferred at a point in time.

Contract balances
Contract balances, including trade receivables (not subject to provision pricing), are disclosed in Note 5.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
84    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 3: EXPENSES

(a) Expenses excluding net finance costs

Operating costs

Other operating costs

   Pipeline and processing tariffs

   Royalties

Depreciation and amortisation

   Oil and gas properties

   Other property, plant and equipment and intangibles

Third party product purchases

Flowline operating costs

Other expenses

   Employee expenses not included in operating costs

   Restructuring expense

   Foreign exchange gain

   Operating lease expense

   Other

Total expenses excluding net finance costs1

Consolidated

2020  
$'000

2019 
$'000

Note

29,891

23,699

Impairment charge

(b)

Impairment

(c) Finance expenses

Rehabilitation accretion

Debt facility accretion

Lease and bank interest

(d) Employee costs2

Wages, salaries and bonuses

Share based payments

Employee administration expenses

Restructuring expense

13,981

8,995

24,593

14,633

4,921

1,173

4,539

2,638

(31)

 - 

5,629

110,962

10,213

7,549

16,320

10,457

 - 

830

6,056

2,109

(290)

1,759

7,403

86,105

Note

7

8

Consolidated

2020  
$'000

2019 
$'000

52,145

52,145

960

461

8,595

10,016

 - 

 - 

1,429

124

231

1,784

36,093

36,359

2,324

2,811

2,638

1,423

4,200

2,013

43,866

43,995

1   Includes $0.8 million reduction in expenses from State and Federal government measures to assist businesses during the 

COVID-19 pandemic such as Jobkeeper payment and payroll tax rebates. 

2   Includes all employee-related costs, including those costs that form part of cost of sales and costs capitalised as part of an 

exploration or development project, as well as costs that may be recovered from other joint venture parties.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 3: EXPENSES (Continued)

Recognition and measurement

Employee benefits expense
The Group’s accounting policy for liabilities associated with employee benefits is set out in Note 18. 
The policy relating to share-based payments is set out in Note 15. 

All employees are party to a defined contribution scheme and receive fixed contributions from 
Group companies. Payments to defined contribution schemes are recognised as an expense as they 
become payable. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a 
reduction in future payments is available.

Finance costs 
Finance costs are recognised as an expense when they are incurred. Provisions and other payables are 
discounted to their present value when the effect of the time value of money is significant. 

Capitalisation of borrowing costs 
Borrowing costs relating to assets currently under development, which have been capitalised in ‘oil and 
gas properties’ during the period, amounted to $4.3 million (30 June 2019: $2.1 million) at an interest 
rate of the Bank Bill Swap Bid Rate (BBSY) plus margin.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     85

Consolidated

2020

(51,367)

2019

3,295

1,455,877

1,455,877

1,451,658

1,479,360

(3.53)

(3.53)

0.23

0.22

NOTE 4: EARNINGS PER SHARE

Net (loss)/profit attributable to the owners 
of the parent entity ($’000)

Weighted average number of shares (thousands)

Basic (loss)/earnings per share

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share

(Loss)/earnings per share (cents)

Basic (loss)/earnings per share

Diluted (loss)/earnings per share

Recognition and measurement
The number of ordinary shares used in the calculation of basic (loss)/earnings per share is the weighted 
average number of ordinary shares of Senex Energy Limited outstanding during the period.

There are no dilutive shares at 30 June 2020.  For the purposes of calculating diluted earnings per 
share at 30 June 2019, 27.6 million dilutive shares were taken into account. The Group’s only potential 
dilutive ordinary shares are share awards granted under the employee share ownership plans for which 
terms and conditions are described in Note 15. 

At 30 June 2020, there are no instruments which are considered antidilutive (2019: nil).

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
86    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WORKING CAPITAL 
NOTE 5: TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 

Trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing)

Trade receivables (subject to provisional pricing)

Deferred consideration owed by Beach Energy

Sundry receivables non-interest bearing and unsecured

Current trade and other receivables

Sundry receivables non-interest bearing and unsecured

Non-current trade and other receivables

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2,190

17,775

 - 

 - 

19,965

49

49

2019  
$'000

902

20,712

4,794

977

27,385

49

49

Recognition and measurement
With the exception of trade receivables (subject to provisional pricing), trade and other receivables are 
classified as financial assets held at amortised cost on the basis that they are held with the objective of 
collecting contractual cash flows and the cash flows relate to payments of principal and interest on the 
principal amount outstanding. 

Trade receivables (subject to provisional pricing)
Trade receivables (subject to provisional pricing) are exposed to future commodity price and foreign 
exchange movements and are therefore measured at fair value through profit or loss.  Subsequent 
changes in fair value are recognised in profit or loss until final settlement or the pricing is no longer 
variable when they are transferred to trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing).

Trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing) 
Trade receivables (not subject to provisional pricing) generally have terms of 30 days. They are 
recognised at fair value. Customers who wish to trade on credit terms are subject to credit verification 
procedures. Receivables are monitored on an ongoing basis and the Group’s exposure to bad debts is 
not significant. 

Impairment of trade receivables
The Group considers an allowance for expected credit losses (ECLs) for debt instruments held at cost.  
The Group applies a simplified approach in calculating ECLs. The Group bases its ECL assessment 
on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for factors specific to the debtors and the economic 
environment including, but not limited to, financial difficulties of the debtor, probability that the debtor 
will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation and delinquency in payments.

In 2020 and 2019 all of the Group’s trade receivables and other current receivables which the Group 
measures at amortised cost are short term (ie expected settlement within 12 months) and the Group 
has credit assessment and risk management policies in place. The expected credit losses on trade 
receivables was not considered material (<0.5 per cent).  

Other debtors 
These amounts generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the Group. 
They do not contain impaired assets and are not past due. Based on the credit history and future 
economic forecasts, it is expected that they will be received when due.

The consideration for the termination of the Senex-Beach Energy joint venture unconventional gas 
project agreement was transferred as a free-carry commitment whereby the Group’s share of cash 
calls was paid by Beach Energy for a program of work in the Senex-operated Cooper Basin western 
flank areas.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     87

NOTE 6: TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Current trade and other payables

Other creditors and accruals - unsecured

Unexpended government grant

Payables to joint operations creditors

20

Note

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

26,255

 - 

5,189

31,444

2019  
$'000

23,667

1,400

6,810

31,877

Recognition and measurement
Trade payables and other payables are carried at amortised cost. Due to their short-term nature, these 
are not discounted. These represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Group prior to 
the end of the financial year that are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 
days of recognition.

Government grants are recognised where there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received, 
and all attached conditions will be complied with. When the grant relates to an asset, which was the 
case for grants at 30 June 2019, it is offset against the asset being constructed.

Pictured: Senex and Jemena, the major 
energy infrastructure operator, have 
formed a successful partnership at Atlas 
and Roma North.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
88    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESOURCE ASSETS 
NOTE 7: OIL & GAS ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 

Opening 30 June 2019

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Net book value

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Written off to the profit and loss

Impairment charge

Depreciation and amortisation charge

Closing net book value

At 30 June 2020

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Net book value

Property, plant and equipment

Consolidated at 30 June 2020

Property, plant and 
equipment

$'000

97,263

(42,920)

54,343

1,326

 - 

11,906

 - 

(2,902)

(8,469)

56,204

110,495

(54,291)

56,204

Assets under 
construction

$'000

Right of use assets

Oil and gas properties

Exploration assets

$'000

$'000

$'000

3,340

 - 

3,340

11,358

 - 

11,098

 - 

(831)

 - 

24,965

25,796

(831)

24,965

 - 

 - 

 - 

173,492

(195)

 - 

 - 

 - 

(5,270)

168,027

172,563

(4,536)

168,027

373,437

(164,907)

208,530

136,276

 - 

3,707

 - 

(31,408)

(24,593)

292,512

513,420

(220,908)

292,512

318,522

(243,504)

75,018

15,216

 - 

(27,100)

(3,386)

(13,041)

 - 

46,707

288,296

(241,589)

46,707

Total

$'000

792,562

(451,331)

341,231

337,668

(195)

(389)

(3,386)

(48,182)

(38,332)

588,415

1,110,570

(522,155)

588,415

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     89

NOTE 7: OIL & GAS ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Continued)

Property, plant and equipment

Consolidated at 30 June 2019

Opening 30 June 2018

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Net book value

Additions

Disposals

Transfers

Transfers to assets held for sale

Written off to the profit and loss

Depreciation and amortisation charge

Closing net book value

At 30 June 2019

Cost

Accumulated depreciation, amortisation and impairment

Net book value

Property, plant and 
equipment

$'000

116,356

(35,834)

80,522

5,653

(19)

(17,910)

(4,712)

 - 

(9,191)

54,343

97,263

(42,920)

54,343

Assets under 
construction

$'000

7,672

 - 

7,672

12,799

 - 

(16,832)

 - 

(299)

 - 

3,340

3,340

 - 

3,340

Right of use assets

Oil and gas properties

Exploration assets

$'000

$'000

$'000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

280,888

(148,586)

132,302

90,746

 - 

48,153

(46,229)

(122)

(16,320)

208,530

373,437

(164,907)

208,530

314,545

(243,441)

71,104

34,553

(704)

(18,741)

 - 

(11,194)

 - 

75,018

318,522

(243,504)

75,018

Total

$'000

719,461

(427,861)

291,600

143,751

(723)

(5,330)

(50,941)

(11,615)

(25,511)

341,231

792,562

(451,331)

341,231

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
90    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7: OIL & GAS ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Continued)

Recognition and measurement

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment (PP&E) is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and 
any accumulated impairment losses. Repairs and maintenance costs are recognised in profit or loss 
as incurred. 

An item of PP&E is derecognised upon disposal or when no further future economic benefits are 
expected from its use or sale.  Any gain or loss arising on derecognition of the asset, being the 
difference between the disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is included in profit or 
loss in the year the asset is derecognised.

Oil and gas properties
Oil and gas properties are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment.  It includes 
capitalised project expenditure, development expenditure and costs associated with lease and well 
equipment on properties that have moved to production.  Costs are accumulated on a field by field 
basis and represent the cost of developing commercial reserves for production.

Capitalised costs include costs associated with a legal right to explore, cost of technical services and 
studies, seismic acquisition, directly attributable overheads, materials used for exploration activities 
and exploration drilling and testing. When proved reserves are determined, key government approvals 
are obtained and development is sanctioned by management the relevant exploration expenditure is 
transferred to oil and gas properties and associated physical assets are transferred to property, plant 
and equipment. 

In the event of a farmout of exploration assets, any cash consideration received directly from the 
farmee is credited against costs previously capitalised with any excess accounted for as a gain 
on disposal.

Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis or a units of production basis over the estimated 
useful life of the specific assets. Property, plant and equipment that are depreciated on a straight-line 
basis use the following lives:

•  office equipment, furniture and fittings 
•  motor vehicles 
•  field-based facilities, plant and equipment 

2 to 7 years
5 to 8 years
5 to 30 years

Exploration assets
Exploration expenditure is expensed as incurred unless the following criteria is met and costs are 
capitalised:

The Group uses the units of production method to amortise its oil and gas properties. The calculation is 
based on Proved and Probable (2P) reserves as confirmed by the Group’s annual reserves certification, 
with any change in reserves applied prospectively from the date of reserve change.

•  right to tenure of the area of interest is current; and 
•  at least one of the following conditions is also met:

-  the carrying value is expected to be recouped through the successful development and 

exploitation of an area of interest; or alternatively, by its sale; and

-  exploitation and evaluation activities in the area of interest have not reached a stage which 
permits a reasonable assessment of the existence or otherwise of economically recoverable 
reserves, and active and significant operations in, or in relation to, the area of interest are 
continuing. 

Right of use assets are depreciated on a straight-line basis, except for upstream gas facility leases which 
are depreciated based on their usage profile.  

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and amortisation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if 
appropriate, at each reporting date.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     91

NOTE 7: OIL & GAS ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Continued)

Impairment

Recognition and measurement
The carrying amounts of the Group’s PP&E, oil and gas properties and exploration assets are reviewed 
at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of impairment. Where an indicator 
of impairment exists, a formal estimate of the recoverable amount is made to compare to the carrying 
value and determine if any impairment exists. 

Previously impaired assets are reviewed for possible reversal of impairment at each reporting date. 
Impairment reversal will not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of 
depreciation and amortisation) had no impairment been recognised for the asset or cash generating 
units (CGUs).  There were no reversals of impairment in the current or prior year.

How the Group calculates recoverable amount
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s fair value less cost of disposal (FVLCD) and its value 
in use (VIU). 

Oil and gas properties and PP&E are assessed for impairment on a CGU basis. A CGU is the smallest 
grouping of assets that generates independent cash inflows, and generally represents oil and gas fields 
that share management and operating personnel and are operated as a single asset. Impairment losses 
recognised in respect of CGUs are allocated to reduce the carrying amount of the assets in the CGU on 
a pro-rata basis. 

Individual assets within a CGU may become impaired if their ongoing use changes or if the benefits to 
be obtained from ongoing use are less than the carrying value of the individual asset. An impairment 
loss is recognised in the income statement whenever the carrying amount of an asset or its CGU 
exceeds its recoverable amount.

Valuation methods
FVLCD is estimated from future cash flows to deliver the highest and best use of the asset or CGU 
based on a market participant view, including the anticipated capital expenditure to achieve this.  Cash 
flows are discounted to their present value using a post-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset.  

VIU is determined as the present value of the estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the 
continued use of the asset in its present form and its eventual disposal. VIU is determined by applying 
assumptions specific to the Group’s continued use and does not consider future development.

Key judgements and estimates
For oil and gas properties, the expected future cash flows are based on a number of factors, variables and 
assumptions.  In most cases, the present value of future cash flows is most sensitive to estimates of future 
commodity price, foreign exchange and discount rates. The future cash flows for the FVLCD calculation 
are based on estimates, the most significant of which are hydrocarbon reserves, future production profiles, 
commodity prices, operating costs, future development costs necessary to produce the reserves and value 
attributable to additional resource and exploration opportunities beyond reserves based on production 
plans. The FVLCD calculation is categorised within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Future commodity prices are based on the Group’s best estimate of future market prices with reference to 
external market analysts’ forecasts, current spot prices and forward curves. The Group’s oil and gas price 
forecasts include the expected impact of climate change and potential policy responses as one of the many 
factors that can affect long term scenarios.  The Group’s independent research into forecast oil and gas 
consumption suggests that the global demand for the Group’s products will continue over the life of the 
respective fields. Future commodity prices are reviewed at least annually. Where volumes are contracted, 
future prices are based on the contracted price.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
92    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 7: OIL & GAS ASSETS AND PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT (Continued)

Forecasts of foreign currency exchange rates are estimated with reference to observable external market 
data and forward values, including analysis of broker and consensus estimates.

Future prices (real) used in the 2020 impairment assessment are set out below. Real prices are escalated at 
between 1.0 per cent to 2.0 per cent per annum:

Exploration assets
At 30 June 2020, the Group performed a review of indicators of impairment for exploration assets 
which gave rise to an impairment charge of $13.0 million against the Cooper-Eromanga Basin CGU 
(30 June 2019: $nil). The value to which the exploration assets were written down reflects the Group’s 
view as to what is economically recoverable based on consideration of internal and external factors, 
including expected Brent oil price and third party offers.

Brent oil – USD

FX rate

Brent oil – AUD

FY21

47

0.69

68

FY22

51

0.69

74

FY23

55

0.69

80

FY24

59

0.70

84

Long term

63

0.70

90

Inventory
The Group has performed a review of its inventory balances at 30 June 2020.  Based on impairments 
identified to oil and gas properties and exploration assets the Group has impaired $4.0 million (30 June 
2019: $nil) of inventory items that are not expected to be required for future activity.

The discount rates applied to the future forecast cash flows are based on the weighted average cost of 
capital, adjusted for risks where appropriate. The post-tax discount rate applied is 10.5 per cent.

In assessing FVLCD recent market transactions are considered as counterfactual indicators of value.  

Due to adverse changes in applied assumptions during the year ended 30 June 2020, significantly as a 
result of volatility and uncertainty from COVID-19, the Group has recorded an impairment of $35.1m 
relating to oil and gas property and PP&E within the Cooper-Eromanga Basin CGU. Prior year comparatives 
are not applicable as no indicators of impairment were identified in 2019.

In the event that future circumstances vary from these assumptions, the recoverable amount of the Group’s 
Cooper-Eromanga Basin CGU could change materially and result in further impairment losses or the 
reversal of previous impairment losses. 

With regards to the other CGUs within the Group, the Group has determined no reasonable possible 
change in assumptions results in any impairment at 30 June 2020.

Impairment expense
A reconciliation of impairment expense recorded against the Cooper-Eromanga Basin CGU for the 
current financial year is presented below:

Oil and gas properties

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration assets

Inventory

Consolidated

2020  
$'000

31,408

3,733

13,041

3,963

52,145

2019  
$'000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     93

NOTE 8: PROVISIONS   

Consolidated

Current

Rehabilitation

Other provisions

Non-current

Rehabilitation

Other provisions

Rehabilitation

Balance at the beginning of the year

Additional provision recognised during the year

Changes in cost estimate and discount rate adjustment

Transfer to assets held for sale

Completion of rehabilitation activity

Interest unwind of liability

Balance at the end of the year

Note

18

18

21

2020  
$'000

1,729

7,400

9,129

64,999

1,291

66,290

64,563

10,289

(8,871)

 - 

(213)

960

66,728

2019  
$'000

1,974

4,157

6,131

62,589

763

63,352

51,216

8,986

8,157

(4,941)

(284)

1,429

64,563

Recognition and measurement – rehabilitation provisions
The Group records the estimated cost of legal and constructive obligations to restore operating 
locations to the state required by applicable legislation or operating licenses in the period that the 
obligation arises. The nature of rehabilitation activities includes the removal of facilities, abandonment 
of wells and restoration of affected areas and typically arises when the asset is installed at the 
production location. 

Using a discounted cash flow methodology, provisions are measured at the present value of 
management’s best estimate of the expenditure required to complete rehabilitation activities. The 
increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised in finance costs.

On initial recognition, the present value of the estimated rehabilitation cost is capitalised to oil and gas 
properties or PP&E and depreciated over the useful life of the associated assets (between three and 
30 years).

Changes in estimates to rehabilitation costs for sites which do not have a future economic benefit 
are expensed. 

The estimated costs of rehabilitation are reviewed every six months and adjusted as appropriate for 
changes in legislation, technology or other circumstances.

Key judgements and estimates

The Group estimates the future removal costs of oil and gas wells and production facilities at the time 
of installation of the assets. In most instances, removal of assets occurs many years into the future. This 
requires assumptions to be made on removal data, current and future environmental legislation, the extent 
of reclamation activities required, the engineering methodology for estimating future cost, future removal 
technologies in determining the removal cost and inflation rates.  The rehabilitation obligation is discounted 
to present value using a ten-year government bond discount rate which is considered reflective of the 
risk-free rate.

These estimates require significant management judgement and are subject to risk and uncertainty that 
may be beyond the control of the Group. There is a possibility that changes in circumstances will materially 
alter projections, which may impact the recoverable amount of assets and the value of rehabilitation 
obligations at each reporting date. 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
94    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 
NOTE 9: NET CASH

The Group’s purpose is to create long-term shareholder value through the discovery, acquisition, 
development and sale of oil and gas. The Group will invest capital in assets where they fit its strategy. 
The Group primarily monitors capital using the net (debt)/cash balance.      

Current interest-bearing liabilities

Bank loan

Interest bearing loans and borrowings

Non-current interest-bearing liabilities

Bank loan

Debt facility transaction costs

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Less: cash and cash equivalent

Cash at bank and in hand

Total cash and cash equivalents

Net (debt)/cash excluding transaction costs

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

 - 

 - 

 - 

(125,000)

8,686

(116,314)

79,908

79,908

(45,092)

 - 

 - 

 - 

(50,000)

9,994

(40,006)

62,669

62,669

12,669

NOTE 10: LEASES

The Group acts as a lessee and has lease contracts for the Roma North and Atlas gas processing 
facilities, office space, motor vehicles and other equipment used in its operations. Lease terms consist of:

•  plant and equipment, including gas processing facilities 
•  motor vehicles and other equipment 
•  office leases 

2 to 25 years
2 to 5 years
2 to 7 years

The Group’s obligations under its leases are secured by the lessor’s title to the leased assets. Generally, 
the Group is restricted from assigning and subleasing the leased assets.

Set out below are the carrying amounts of right-of-use assets and the movements during the period:

Consolidated at 30 June 2020

Gas processing 
facilities
$'000

Office 
leases
$'000

Motor 
vehicles
$'000

Other 
equipment
$'000

Initial recognition at 1 July 2019

 - 

10,945

930

1,283

Total

$'000

13,158

Additions

Disposal

Depreciation charge

At 30 June 2020

160,059

 - 

(1,785)

158,274

275

(78)

(1,925)

9,217

 - 

 - 

(440)

490

 - 

160,334

(117)

(1,120)

(195)

(5,270)

46

168,027

Set out below are the carrying amounts of lease liabilities and the movements during the period: 

Consolidated

Recognition and measurement
Interest-bearing liabilities are classified, at initial recognition, as loans and borrowings and are 
recognised at fair value.

At 1 July 2019 (initial recognition)

After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the 
effective interest rate (EIR) method. Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any discount or 
premium on acquisition and debt facility transaction costs that are an integral part of the EIR. The EIR 
amortisation is included as finance costs in the profit and loss. Interest-bearing loans are derecognised 
when the associated obligation is discharged, cancelled or expires.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits that are readily 
convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.  

Cash and cash equivalent balances advanced to joint operations are not available for use by the Group 
for settlement of corporate liabilities.

Addition

Interest expense

Lease surrender

Payments

At 30 June 2020

Current

Non-current

At 30 June 2020

2020 
$'000

13,158

160,334

7,089

(232)

(6,817)

173,532

2,649

170,883

173,532

2019 
$'000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     95

NOTE 10: LEASES (Continued)

Variable lease payments 

The Group holds lease contracts (primarily for drilling rigs) which contain variable payments based 
on the use of the leased asset.  The activity is entirely at the Group’s discretion to meet operational 
requirements. The lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset for these contracts is calculated 
based on the fixed rental payment components.  Variable payments made under these contracts were 
$12.9 million, $11.7 million of which has been recognised in oil and gas properties. 

Opening balance reconciliation 
The lease liability at 1 July 2019 can be reconciled to the operating lease commitments in Note 24 of 
Senex Energy Limited’s 30 June 2019 Annual Report as follows:      

Operating lease commitments as at 1 July 2019 (undiscounted lease payments) ($’000)

15,624

Weighted average incremental borrowing rate as at 1 July 2019

5.40 per cent

Discounted operating lease commitments at 1 July 2019 ($’000)

Less: commitments relating to short term leases ($’000)

Lease liability at 1 July 2019 ($’000)

13,171

(13)

13,158

The increase in the lease liabilities from 1 July 2019 is due to the recognition of new leases for the 
Roma North and Atlas gas processing facilities which span between 20 and 25 years and other 
office leases.

Lease liabilities mature as follows:

Within one year

After one year but more than five years

More than five years

Minimum lease payments

Future finance charges

Total lease liabilities

Amounts recognised in profit or loss:

Depreciation expense of right-of-use assets

Interest expense on lease liabilities

Expense relating to short-term leases (included in operating costs)

Expense relating to leases of low-value assets 
 (included in other expenses)

Variable lease payments (included in operating costs)

Total amount recognised in profit or loss

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

11,310

83,893

216,950

312,153

(138,621)

173,532

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

4,747

7,089

11

3

1,227

13,077

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

2019 
$'000

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

Where the leased assets have been used for capital activity the depreciation on the corresponding 
right-of-use asset and interest on the associated liability is capitalised to the balance sheet. During the 
period, $0.5 million has been capitalised and forms a component of additions to oil and gas properties 
(refer to Note 7).

The Group had total cash outflows for leases of $6.8 million in 2020 (2019: $nil). 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
96    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 10: LEASES (Continued)

Recognition and measurement
The Group accounts for leases by:

•  recognising right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for all leases, with the exception of short-term 
(12 months or less) and low-value leases (less than $5,000), in the Consolidated Statement of 
Financial Position. 

 ⁻

the lease liability is initially measured at the present value of future lease payments for the lease 
term using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, the 
Group’s incremental borrowing rate, adjusted for asset-specific factors.

 ⁻ where a lease contains an extension option, the lease payments for the extension period will be 

 ⁻

included in the liability if the Group is reasonably certain that it will exercise the option. 
the right of use asset at initial recognition reflects the lease liability, initial direct costs and any 
lease payments made before the commencement date of the lease less any lease incentives and, 
where applicable, provision for dismantling and restoration. 

•  recognising depreciation of right of use assets and interest on lease liabilities in the Consolidated 

Statement of Comprehensive Income over the lease term (refer to Note 7). 

•  recognising the cash paid in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, split into a principal portion 
(presented within financing activities) and interest portion (presented within operating activities).

•  remeasuring the lease liability, and right of use asset, when there is a change in future lease 
payments arising from a change in an index or rate, a change in the estimate of the amount 
expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee or changes in the assessment of whether 
purchase, renewal or termination options are reasonably certain to be exercised.

In the event that there is a modification to a lease arrangement, a determination of whether the 
modification results in a separate lease arrangement being recognised is made. Where the modification 
does result in a separate lease arrangement needing to be recognised, due to an increase in scope of 
a lease through additional underlying leased assets and a commensurate increase in lease payments, 
the measurement requirements described above are applied. Where the modification does not result 
in a separate lease arrangement, the Group will remeasure the lease liability using the redetermined 
lease term, lease payments and revised discount rate. A corresponding adjustment will be made to 
the carrying amount of the right of use asset. Additionally, where there has been a partial or full 
termination of a lease, the Group will recognise any resulting gain or loss in the profit and loss.

NOTE 11: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES

The Group’s principal financial instruments comprise cash and cash equivalents, cash flow hedges, 
receivables, payables, interest bearing liabilities and other financial liabilities.

Risk exposures and management
The Group manages its exposure to key financial risks through the Group’s Risk Management 
Framework under the supervision of the Audit and Risk Committee. The primary function of the Audit 
and Risk Committee is to assist the Board to fulfil its responsibility to ensure that the Group’s internal 
control framework is effective and efficient. 

The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are foreign currency risk, liquidity 
risk, commodity price risk and interest rate risk. The Group uses different methods to measure and 
manage different types of risks to which it is exposed. These include monitoring levels of exposure to 
foreign exchange and assessments of market forecasts for foreign exchange, commodity prices and 
interest rates.

Commodity price risk
The Group’s primary exposure to commodity price risk is the market price of oil and Roma North 
natural gas which is largely denominated in USD and based on the Brent oil price or Brent oil price 
related indices.

To mitigate commodity price risk, the Group has entered into monthly settled oil price swaps covering 
317,731 barrels for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. The monthly quantity of barrels swapped 
is designed to cover a portion of highly probable forecast sales and is expected to reduce the volatility 
attributable to price fluctuations of Brent oil.  The oil price swaps mature as follows:

Maturity as at 30 June 2020

Maturity as at 30 June 2019

Oil price swaps

Within 1 year

1 – 2 years

Within 1 year

1 – 2 years

Notional amounts ($’000)

Average Brent price (AUD)

28,655

90.19

-

-

43,479

93.46

27,299

87.87

There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments as the 
terms of the oil price swaps match the terms of the expected highly probable forecast transactions. The 
Group has established a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risk of the oil 
price swaps are identical to the hedged risk components. Hedge ineffectiveness can arise from:

•  differences in the timing of the cash flows of the hedged items and the hedging instruments
•  the counterparties’ credit risk differently impacting the fair value movements of the hedging 

instruments and hedged items

•  changes to the forecasted amount of cash flows of hedged items and hedging instruments

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     97

NOTE 11: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)

The Board will continue to monitor commodity price risk and seek to mitigate it if considered 
necessary. The effect on profit before tax disclosure below takes into consideration any commodity 
price derivatives in place at 30 June 2020 and is based on the commodity risk exposures in existence 
at the reporting date.   

Effect on profit before tax

Change on year-end oil price +10%

Change on year-end oil price -10%

Effect on equity

Change on year-end oil price +10%

Change on year-end oil price -10%

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

788

(804)

(1,071)

1,092

2019 
$'000

1,700

(1,758)

(4,881)

4,224

Foreign currency risk
The Group’s foreign currency exposure arises from sales or purchases by an operating entity in 
currencies other than its functional currency. The majority of the Group’s sales are denominated and 
received in USD. To manage foreign exchange exposure the Group converts funds to AUD on a regular 
basis and hedges oil sales in AUD.

At the reporting date, and exclusive of commodity price derivatives, the Group had the following 
exposure to foreign currency risk for balances denominated in USD, which are disclosed in AUD:   

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Trade and other payables

Net exposure

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

4,226

17,775

(1,605)

20,396

3,223

21,383

(579)

24,027

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 10 per cent increase or decrease in AUD against 
the USD, with all other variables held constant. The sensitivity analysis is based on the foreign currency 
risk exposures in existence at the reporting date and takes into account commodity price derivatives.

Effect on profit before tax

AUD / USD +10%

AUD / USD -10%

Effect on equity

AUD / USD +10%

AUD / USD -10%

Consolidated 
higher/(lower)

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

(1,066)

1,050

829

(809)

(2,023)

1,964

3,959

(4,616)

Liquidity risk 
The liquidity position of the Group is managed to ensure sufficient funds are available to meet the 
Group’s financial commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

The Group funds its activities through operating cash, use of debt facilities and equity raisings.  It is 
the Group’s policy to continually review its liquidity position, including cash flow forecasts, to maintain 
appropriate liquidity levels.

On 26 October 2018, the Group completed financial close of a $150 million Senior Secured Multi-
Currency Facility Agreement (SFA). The SFA comprises of Facility A (reserve-based facility to primarily 
provide funding for key identified projects for Roma North and Atlas) and Facility B (working capital 
facility for general corporate purposes). 

On 20 September 2019, the Group agreed to an additional facility (Facility C) under the SFA (letters of 
credit and bank guarantees). Facility A has a limit of $125 million, Facility B has a limit of $25 million and 
Facility C has a limit of $10 million. 

Facility A matures on 25 October 2025 and carries an effective interest rate of AUD BBSY plus margin. 
Facility B and C mature on 25 October 2021 and attract varying cost dependent on the purpose of the 
utilisation. 

At 30 June 2020 the Group has drawn down $125 million (FY19: $50 million) of Facility A and has 
utilised $25.9 million (FY19: $21.3 million) of Facility B and C to back performance guarantees issued 
by the Group.  

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
 
98    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)

Interest rate risk

The SFA contains certain covenants that the Group must comply with on a quarterly basis and the 
Director’s continue to monitor the Group’s compliance with these requirements.  The Group was in 
compliance with its covenants at 30 June 2020.  

The remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s financial liabilities at 30 June 2020 is:

Consolidated

Trade and 
other 
payables

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Interest 
bearing 
liabilities

Lease 
liabilities

Total

2020 
$'000

Due for payment

In six months or less or on demand

31,444

In greater than six months but less 
than one year

In one to five years

In greater than five years

 - 

 - 

 - 

436

436

2,294

2,294

4,877

6,433

39,051

9,163

1,700

136,301

83,893

221,894

 - 

 - 

216,950

216,950

31,444

2,572

140,889

312,153

487,058

The remaining contractual maturities of the Group’s financial liabilities at 30 June 2019 is:

Consolidated

Trade and 
other 
payables

Other 
financial 
liabilities

Interest 
bearing 
liabilities

Lease 
liabilities

Total

2019 
$'000

Due for payment

In six months or less or on demand

31,877

In greater than six months but less 
than one year

In one to five years

In greater than five years

 - 

 - 

 - 

195

153

2,349

2,349

1,215

61,341

 - 

 - 

31,877

1,563

66,039

-

-

-

-

-

34,421

2,502

62,556

-

99,479

Interest rate risk arises from the Group’s exposure to variable AUD BBSY on the SFA principal 
outstanding. To manage this risk the Group has entered into floating for fixed interest rate swaps to 
fix interest payable on 60 per cent of the SFA principal outstanding.  These contracts are expected to 
reduce the volatility attributable to fluctuations of the AUD BBSY interest rate.

There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments as the terms 
of the interest rate swaps match the terms of the expected highly probable forecast transactions. The 
Group has established a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships as the underlying risk of the 
interest rate swaps are identical to the hedged risk components. Hedge ineffectiveness can arise from:

•  differences in the timing of the cash flows of the hedged items and the hedging instruments
•  the counterparties’ credit risk differently impacting the fair value movements of the hedging 

instruments and hedged items

•  changes to the forecasted amount of cash flows of hedged items and hedging instruments

The following table details the Group’s sensitivity to a 0.5 per cent increase or decrease in the BBSY 
after hedging is taken into account. 

Effect on profit before tax

BSSY +0.5%

BSSY -0.5%

Effect on equity before tax

BSSY +0.5%

BSSY -0.5%

Consolidated 
higher/(lower)

2020 
$'000

(250)

250

268

(268)

2019 
$'000

(10)

10

140

(140)

The sensitivity assumes that the change in interest rate is effective from the beginning of the financial 
year and the net debt position and fixed/floating mix is constant. Interest rates and the debt profile of 
the Group are unlikely to remain constant and therefore the above sensitivity analysis will be subject 
to change.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE 11: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)

Credit risk
The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities (primarily trade receivables) and from 
its financing activities, including deposits with banks and financial institutions, foreign exchange 
transactions and other financial instruments.

Financial instruments and cash deposits
Credit risk from balances with banks and financial institutions is managed in accordance with the 
Group’s treasury policy. Investments of surplus funds are made only with approved counterparties 
and within credit limits assigned to each counterparty. Counterparty credit limits are reviewed by the 
Group on an annual basis or more frequently should the need arise. The limits are set to minimise the 
concentration of risks and therefore mitigate financial loss through a counterparty’s potential failure to 
make payments.

Trade receivables 
Customer credit risk is managed through the Group’s established policy, procedures and controls relating 
to customer credit risk management. Outstanding customer receivables are regularly monitored and 
relate to the Groups’ major customers for which there is no history of credit risk or overdue payments.  

Capital management and going concern 
When managing capital, the Board’s objectives are to ensure the Group continues as a going concern 
whilst creating long-term shareholder value.  

At 30 June 2020 the Group had net current assets of $72.7 million, including cash of $79.9 million and 
had substantially completed its multi-year, transformational, Surat Basin capital program.  The Group 
has been confirmed as operating in an essential services industry since the outbreak of COVID-19 and 
has been able to operate at full capacity with minimal impact on its operations or supply chains. 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     99

The financial performance of the business is monitored against an approved annual budget and 
approved work plans to ensure that adequate funding will be available to carry out planned activities 
and business continuity.  In assessing going concern the Directors have considered projected cash 
flow information for the 12 months from the date of approval of these financial statements, taking 
into account an estimation of the potential impacts of COVID-19 through lower realised pricing.  
These forecasts indicate that, taking into account reasonably possible downsides in price, existing 
oil price hedging, minimal committed capital expenditure and existing long-term fixed price gas sales 
agreements, the Group is expected to continue to operate within available cash levels and the terms of 
its debt facilities.

The Directors therefore believe that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going 
concern basis and have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to pay its debts as and 
when they fall due for at least the next 12 months. No adjustments have been made relating to the 
recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be 
necessary should the Group not continue as a going concern.

Financial assets and liabilities
All financial assets not measured at fair value are recognised initially at fair value plus transaction 
costs.  Financial liabilities not measured at fair value are recognised initially at fair value. Subsequent 
measurement of financial assets and liabilities depends on their classification, summarised in the 
table below. 

Financial assets and liabilities carried at amortised cost take into account any discount or premium on 
acquisition, and fees or costs associated with the asset or liability. Due to the short-term nature of 
these assets and liabilities, their carrying value is assumed to approximate their fair value.

Fair values
For financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value the Group uses the following to categorise the 
inputs and methodology used to determined fair value at the reporting date:

Level 1

The fair value is calculated using quoted market prices in active markets.

Level 2

Level 3

The fair value is estimated using inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices).

The fair value is estimated using inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable 
market data.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
100    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)

The table below outlines the fair value of financial assets and liabilities: 

Financial assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Deferred consideration owed by Beach Energy

Trade and other receivables - subject to provisional pricing1

Other financial assets:

Crude oil price swaps - current2

Crude oil price swaps - non-current2

Financial liabilities

Trade and other payables

Interest bearing liabilities

Lease liabilities

Other financial liabilities - current:

Haliburton tight oil4

Interest rate swaps3

Other financial liabilities - non-current:

Haliburton tight oil4

Interest rate swaps3

See notes to table on the next page.

As at 30 June 2020

Fair value 
through profit or loss

$'000

Fair value 
through OCI

$'000

As at 30 June 2019

Fair value 
through profit or loss

$'000

Fair value 
through OCI

$'000

Amortised 
cost

$'000

79,908

2,239

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

17,775

 - 

 - 

82,147

17,775

31,444

125,000

173,532

190

 - 

575

 - 

330,741

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

9,558

348

9,906

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

682

 - 

1,125

1,807

Amortised 
cost

$'000

62,669

1,928

4,794

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

20,712

 - 

 - 

69,391

20,712

31,877

50,000

 - 

190

 - 

740

 - 

82,807

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

3,429

949

4,378

 - 

 - 

 - 

 - 

158

 - 

475

633

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     101

NOTE 11: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES (Continued)

1) Level 2
The Group recognises trade receivables in relation to its provisionally priced sales contracts at fair 
value. All derivatives and provisionally priced trade receivables are valued using forward pricing models 
that use present value calculations. The models incorporate various inputs including the credit quality 
of counterparties and forward rate curves of the underlying commodity. The changes in counterparty 
credit risk had no material effect on financial instruments recognised at fair value and therefore the 
other observable parameters outlined above categorise these assets as level 2 instruments.

2) Level 2
Crude oil price swaps have been designated as cash flow hedge instruments. The fair value of crude 
oil price swaps has been determined with reference to the Brent ICE forward price (USD) and forward 
exchange rate (AUD:USD) compared with the exercise price of the instrument along with the volatility 
of the underlying commodity price and the expiry of the instrument.

3) Level 2
Interest rate swaps have been designated as cash flow hedge instruments. The fair value of interest 
rate swaps has been determined with reference to the floating bank bill swap bid (BBSY) forward rate 
compared with the fixed price leg that the Group will pay.  

4) Level 3
The carrying value of the Halliburton tight oil agreement approximates fair value at 30 June 2020. Fair 
value has been determined by reference to the initial amount funded by Halliburton and discounted 
cash flows across the term of the agreement, with reference to expected production from the wells 
subject to the agreement, Brent ICE forward price (USD), forward exchange rate (AUD:USD), forecast 
operating costs and royalties and other commercial terms under the agreement. 

The Group does not have any level 1 financial instruments as at 30 June 2020 or 30 June 2019.

Recognition and measurement - hedging
The Group uses derivative financial instruments including AUD and USD denominated Brent oil swaps 
and put options, to hedge its foreign currency and commodity price risk. Such derivative financial 
instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered 
into and on each subsequent reporting date. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair 
value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.

Hedges are classified as cash flow hedges when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that 
are either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or are a highly 
probable forecast transaction.

At inception, the Group formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which it wishes 
to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. 
Hedge documentation includes the identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the 
nature of the risk being hedged and how the Group will assess whether the hedging relationship meets 
the hedge effectiveness requirements (including the analysis of sources of hedge ineffectiveness and 
how the hedge ratio is determined). A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting if it meets all 
the following effectiveness requirements: 

•  there is ‘an economic relationship’ between the hedged item and the hedging instrument
•  the effect of credit risk does not ‘dominate the value changes’ from the economic relationship
•  the hedge ratio of the relationship is equal

The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in other 
comprehensive income (OCI) in the hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognised 
immediately in profit or loss. The cash flow hedge reserve is adjusted to the lower of the cumulative 
gain or loss on the hedging instrument and the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item.

The amount accumulated in OCI is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment in the 
same period or periods during which the hedged cash flows affect profit or loss.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
102    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CAPITAL STRUCTURE 
NOTE 12: CONTRIBUTED EQUITY

Movement in ordinary 
fully paid shares on issue

NOTE 13: RESERVES

Parent entity

2020

Number 
of shares

$’000

2019

Number 
of shares

$’000

Share-based 
payment reserve

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

21,739

19,415

Balance at the beginning of the period:

1,453,069,535

540,468

1,447,271,094

540,213

Issues of shares during the period:

   Exercise of unlisted options1

Employee shares

-

    Performance and share appreciation 

4,750,332

rights (nil consideration)2

-

-

1,000,000

255

4,798,441

-

Balance at the end of the period

1,457,819,867

540,468

1,453,069,535

540,468

Hedge reserve

7,065

3,408

28,804

22,823

Recognition and measurement

The share-based payments reserve represents the 
accrued employee entitlements to share awards that 
have been charged to profit or loss.

The hedging reserve comprises the effective portion of 
the cumulative net change in the fair value of hedging 
instruments related to transactions that have not yet 
occurred and changes in the time value of instruments. 
Amounts in the reserve are recycled to profit or loss as 
the underlying hedged transactions occur.

1   No ordinary fully paid shares were issued (FY19: 1,000,000 for a price of 25.5 cents) for the exercise of unlisted options during 

the year held by the Managing Director.

2   4,750,332 ordinary fully paid shares were issued (FY19: 4,798,441) during the year to senior executives in relation to short- 

and long-term incentive rights and for employee retention rights.

EMPLOYEE MATTERS 
NOTE 14: KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

Compensation of Key Management Personnel comprises:

Recognition and measurement
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new 
shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Ordinary fully paid shares have the right to receive dividends as declared and, in the event of winding 
up the Company, to participate in the proceeds from the sale of all surplus assets in proportion to 
the number of and amounts paid up on the shares held. Ordinary fully paid shares entitle their holder 
to one vote, either in person or by proxy, at a meeting of the Company.  Ordinary shares have no 
par value.

Short-term

Post-employment

Share-based payments

Consolidated

2020 
$

2019 
$

4,146,207

5,285,712

182,501

234,674

1,574,010

1,047,934

5,902,718

6,568,320

Other transactions with Key Management Personnel

During the financial year, the Group made payments of $12,250 (FY19: $12,928) to Morgans Financial 
Limited, a company associated with Mr Tim Crommelin (a non-executive director), for provision of data 
services.  None of the services were provided by Mr Crommelin as a director of the Group. There were 
no other transactions with Key Management Personnel or their related parties during the current or 
prior year.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     103

NOTE 15: SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Equity settled performance rights, share appreciation rights and options are issued to employees on a case by case basis at the Board’s discretion and are assessed annually.  The table below provides a description 
of the plans that the Company has in place. 

Plan

Overview

Share Appreciation Rights

Performance Rights

The Company has adopted a share appreciation rights (SARs) plan for executives and 
employees, which directly links equity-based incentives to performance conditions. 

From FY18, the Company has adopted performance rights plans for executives and employees, which directly 
links equity-based incentives to pre-defined performance conditions.

Vesting conditions

Service and performance conditions.  

Service and performance conditions.  

FY17 SAR’s (vested)
70 per cent of SARs are subject to a long term incentive (LTI) performance condition 
(relative TSR performance condition) that the Company achieves total shareholder 
return (TSR) at or above the 50th percentile of the TSR of a comparator group of 
companies (S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index) over the three year performance period. 

30 per cent of SARs are subject to an LTI performance condition (production run rate 
performance condition) that the Company achieve a 30 consecutive day production 
run rate in the 6 months ended 30 June 2020 of 2.5 – 3.0 mmboe.

FY16 SAR’s (vested)
70 per cent of SARs are subject to an LTI performance condition (relative TSR 
performance condition) that the Company achieves a TSR at or above the 50th 
percentile of the TSR of a comparator group of companies (S&P/ASX 300 Energy 
Index) over the three year performance period. 

30 per cent of SARs are subject to an LTI performance condition of achievement of 
2P Reserves target (mmboe) over the three year performance period.

FY19 and FY20 LTI performance rights
100 per cent of FY19 and FY20 performance rights are subject to relative TSR performance condition that the 
Company achieves TSR growth that is positive and at or above the 50th percentile of the TSR of a comparator 
group of companies (S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index) over the three-year performance period. 

FY19 strategic business milestone rights
The Company issued rights to the Chief Executive Officer during the period that are subject to natural gas 
projects in the Surat Basin being delivered through the construction of key infrastructure, completion of the 
initial phase of development drilling and the commencement of commercial gas sales from each project.  

Vesting will be based on achievement of the milestone, subject to there being a positive TSR over the 
milestone delivery period. 

FY18 LTI performance rights
70 per cent of FY18 LTI performance rights are subject to relative TSR performance condition that the 
Company achieves TSR growth that is positive and at or above the 50th percentile of the TSR of a comparator 
group of companies (S&P/ASX 300 Energy Index) over the three-year performance period. 

30 per cent of FY18 LTI performance rights are subject to the achievement of identified strategic and financial 
goals linked to material project delivery and company transition over the three year performance period. 

FY18, FY19 and FY20 short-term incentive performance rights 
Performance rights issued to executive and non-executive employees in conjunction with their short-term 
incentive entitlements are subject to service and performance conditions.

FY18 (vested), FY19 and 2019 retention rights
The Company has a retention rights plan designed to retain and incentivise existing employees and attract key 
new employees.  The retention rights have service conditions only.

Vesting period

Expiry period

3 years

7 years

2 - 3 years

6 - 7 years

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
104    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 15: SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (Continued)

A reconciliation of outstanding awards is contained below:

2020

SARs

Performance rights

At 1 July 2019 
(number)

18,506,101

20,810,797

Issued 
(number)

-

13,477,792

Exercised 
(number)

(3,440,888)

(2,587,738)

Forfeited 
(number)

(2,928,597)

(5,223,343)

At 30 June 2020 
(number)

Vested and exercisable 
at 30 June 2020 
(number)

Weighted average 
remaining contractual 
life (years)

12,136,616

26,477,508

12,136,616

2,274,196

2.7

2.4

The assumptions used when determining the fair value of awards issued during the year was:

2020

Performance rights

Retention rights

Weighted average fair value 
($)

Risk-free interest rate  
(%)

0.21

0.37

0.68% - 0.75%

0.60% - 0.73%

Estimated life 
(years)

2.6 – 3.0

1.9 – 3.0

Share price at grant date 
($)

Estimated volatility 
(%)

0.32 – 0.40

0.32 – 0.39

50

50

Dividend yield  
(%)

0.48% - 0.65%

0.49% - 0.65%

Employee share awards expense was $2,324,000 (2019: $1,423,000).

Recognition and measurement
The fair value at grant date of equity-settled share-based payment transactions is recognised as an 
employee benefit expense over the period in which the performance and/or services conditions 
are fulfilled.

If the terms of an equity-settled award are modified, as a minimum an expense is recognised as if 
the terms had not been modified. An additional expense is recognised for any modification that 
increases the total fair value of the share-based payment arrangement, or is otherwise beneficial to the 
employee, as measured at the date of modification.

The fair values of awards granted were estimated using a Monte Carlo simulation methodology 
and Black-Scholes option pricing techniques.  In determining the share-based payment expense 
for the year, the Group also estimates the number of equity instruments that will ultimately vest. 
No adjustment is made for the likelihood of market performance conditions being met as the effect 
of these conditions is included in the determination of fair value at grant date.  Where awards are 
forfeited because non-market-based vesting conditions are not satisfied, the expense previously 
recognised is proportionately reversed.

If an equity-settled award is cancelled (other than a grant cancelled by forfeiture when the vesting 
conditions are not met), it is treated as if it had vested on the date of cancellation, and any expense not 
yet recognised for the award is recognised immediately. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020OTHER FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES 
NOTE 16: INCOME TAX

Income tax expense

The major component of income tax expense is:

Deferred tax benefit/(liability)

Net tax (asset)/liability not brought to account

Income tax benefit/(expense) reported in the 
statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

15,410

(15,410)

-

(601)

601

-

Numerical reconciliation between aggregate tax expense recognised in the income statement 
and tax expense calculated per the statutory income tax rate

(Loss)/profit before income tax

At the Group’s statutory income tax rate of 30% (2019: 30%)

Research and development benefit

Assessable grant

Other

Derecognition of deferred tax on (losses)/gains

Income tax benefit/(expense) reported in the 
statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

(51,367)

15,410

-

(938)

(15)

(14,457)

-

2019 
$’000

3,295

(989)

425

-

(37)

601

-

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     105

Deferred income tax at the reporting date relates to the following:

Consolidated

Statement of 
Financial Position

Statement of 
Comprehensive Income

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

Receivables

Property, plant and equipment, intangibles, 
exploration assets and oil and gas properties 

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Other

Income tax losses and offsets

Deferred tax assets/(liabilities)

1,223

34

(16,865)

(30,965)

-

(153)

13,362

10,611

(846)

77,990

74,864

167

79,446

59,140

1,189

14,100

154

2,750

(1,012)

(1,457)

15,724

Income tax losses and offsets not recognised as 
realisation is not probable

(74,864)

(59,140)

(15,724)

-

(9,985)

(883)

5,514

(1,566)

4,333

(2,587)

2,587

Net deferred income tax asset/(liability) recognised

-

-

-

-

Tax transparency
The Group operates and has subsidiaries in Australia. During the financial year, the Group paid 
$12 million of state taxes, fringe benefits tax and royalties in Australia (2019: $8.7 million).

Recognition and measurement
Current tax assets and liabilities are measured at the amount expected to be recovered from or paid to 
the taxation authorities based on the period’s taxable income. 

The tax rates and tax laws used to compute the amount are those that are enacted or substantively 
enacted at the reporting date and include state taxes, fringe benefits tax and royalties in Australia.

Deferred income tax is provided on all temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax 
base of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences and carry-forward 
of unused tax credits and unused tax losses, to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will 
be available against which the deductible temporary differences and the carry-forward of unused tax 
credits and unused tax losses can be utilised. The carrying amount of deferred income tax assets is 
reviewed at each reporting date.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
106    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16: INCOME TAX (Continued)

NOTE 17: INTANGIBLE ASSETS      

Unrecognised deferred income tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to 
the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profit will allow the deferred tax asset to 
be recovered.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in 
the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have 
been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset only if a legally enforceable right exists to set 
off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and the deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to the 
same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.

Income tax consolidation legislation
Senex Energy Limited and its controlled entities have implemented the tax consolidation legislation. 

Senex Energy Limited is responsible for recognising the current tax receivable and liability and any 
deferred tax asset on carry forward tax losses on behalf of the income tax consolidated group.  The 
Group has applied the separate taxpayer approach in determining the appropriate amount of current 
taxes and deferred taxes to allocate to members of the tax consolidated group.

As a consequence, individual entities within the consolidated group will recognise current and deferred 
tax amounts relating to their own transactions, events and balances. Any recognised balances relating 
to income tax payable or receivable, or to tax losses incurred by the individual entity will then be 
transferred to the head entity of the consolidated group, Senex Energy Limited, by way of inter-
company loan. 

The tax consolidated group has entered into a tax sharing agreement which sets out the allocation of 
income tax liabilities amongst the entities should the head entity default on its tax payment obligations 
and the treatment of entities exiting the tax consolidated group. No amounts have been recognised in 
the financial statements in respect of this tax sharing agreement as payment of any amounts under this 
agreement are considered remote.

Income tax losses
At 30 June 2020, the Group had $259,965,000 (2019: $264,820,000) of carry-forward tax losses that 
are available for offset against future taxable profits of the income tax consolidated group, subject to 
the relevant tax loss recoupment requirements being met.

The carry-forward tax losses and offsets give rise to a deferred tax asset (which has not been 
recognised at 30 June 2020) of $77,990,000 (2019: $79,446,000).

Consolidated

Note

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

At the beginning of the year

Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Net book amount

Movement for the year ended 30 June

Opening net book value

Transfer from assets under construction

7

Amortisation charged for the year

Net book amount

At 30 June

Cost

Accumulated amortisation

Net book amount

11,983

(6,820)

5,163

5,163

389

(1,419)

4,133

12,372

(8,239)

4,133

6,653

(5,554)

1,099

1,099

5,330

(1,266)

5,163

11,983

(6,820)

5,163

Recognition and measurement
The Group capitalises amounts paid for the acquisition of identifiable intangible assets, such as 
software and licenses where it is considered that they will contribute to future periods through revenue 
generation or cost reduction. These assets, classified as finite life intangible assets, are carried in the 
balance sheet at the fair value of consideration paid less accumulated amortisation. Intangible assets 
with finite useful lives are amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives of two to five years.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     107

NOTE 18: OTHER PROVISIONS   

Consolidated

Recognition and measurement
Provisions are recognised when:

•  the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event
•  it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle 

the obligation

•  a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation

Provisions are measured at the present value of management’s best estimate of the expenditure 
required to settle the present obligation at the reporting date using a discounted cash flow 
methodology. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised in finance costs.

Liabilities for employee service up to the reporting date such as un-paid wages and salaries including 
non-monetary benefits, annual leave and long service leave are measured at the expected future 
payment. Liabilities for restructuring activities communicated prior to the reporting date are also 
recognised at the expected future payment.  Restructuring activities provided for at 30 June 2019 
were completed in the year ended 30 June 2020.  Restructuring activities provided for at 30 June 
2020 are expected to be completed in financial year 2021.

The liability for long service is recognised and measured as the present value of expected future 
payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the 
projected unit credit method.  

Current

Annual and long service leave

Restructuring provision

Building rectification

Other provisions

Non-current

Long service leave

Other provisions

2020 
$'000

2,366

2,638

2,396

 - 

7,400

766

525

1,291

2019 
$'000

1,821

2,013

 - 

323

4,157

763

 - 

763

Movement in each class of provision during the financial year, other than provisions relating to 
employee benefits, are set out below:

Building rectification and other provisions

Balance at the beginning of the year

Provision recognised/(released) during the year

Payments made during the year

Balance at the end of the year

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

323

2,985

(387)

2,921

2019 
$'000

389

(66)

 - 

323

Building rectification and other provisions include provisions relating to the Group’s obligation to 
rectify defects identified from the construction of the Roma North gas compression facility that was 
disposed of during the financial year (refer to Note 21), legal disputes, contractors’ claims and lease 
liability adjustments.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
108    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 19: CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS RECONCILIATION  

NOTE 20: INTEREST IN JOINT OPERATIONS

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

The Group has an interest in the following joint operations whose principal activities were oil and gas 
exploration and production in the Cooper-Eromanga and Surat Basins.

Reconciliation of the net (loss)/profit after 
tax to net cash flows used in operations

Net (loss)/profit

Adjustments:

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment expense

(Gain)/loss on foreign exchange translation

Gain on termination of unconventional joint venture

(Gain)/loss on disposal of assets

Unwind of the effect of discounting on provisions

Share-based payments

Write-off of exploration assets

Other

Changes in assets and liabilities:

Decrease in prepayments

Decrease in trade and other receivables

Decrease in inventory

Increase in other financial assets

Increase in trade and other payables

(Decrease)/increase in provisions

Net cash flows from operating activities

(51,367)

3,295

Exploration

Surat

39,226

52,145

(31)

 - 

(312)

1,425

2,324

4,641

(623)

2,056

1,643

20

(1,380)

2,460

(682)

51,545

26,777

ATP 1190 (Weribone)

 - 

Cooper-Eromanga Basin

PEL 90* (Kiwi)

PEL 94

PEL 182*

* denotes operatorship

(290)

(5,400)

318

1,429

1,423

1,831

(1,334)

190

10,830

87

 - 

2,785

2,580

44,521

Consolidated

2020  
Percentage

2019 
 Percentage

20.7%

20.7%

100%

15%

57%

75%

15%

-

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     109

NOTE 20: INTEREST IN JOINT OPERATIONS (Continued)

Consolidated

2020  
Percentage

2019 
 Percentage

35%

70%

35%

25%

35%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

57%

35%

70%

35%

25%

35%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

60%

-

-

Production

Cooper-Eromanga

PPL 206 (Derrilyn)

PPL 207 (Worrior)*

PPL 208 (Derrilyn)

PPL 211 (Reg Spring West)

PPL 215 (Toparoa)

PPL 240 (Snatcher)*

PPL 242 (Growler)*

PPL 243 (Mustang)*

PPL 258 (Spitfire)*

PPL 263 (Marlet North)*

PPL 264 (Martlet)*

PPL 265 (Marauder)*

PPL 266 (Breguet)*

PPL 268 (Vanessa)*

* denotes operatorship

Retention

Cooper-Eromanga

PRL 15*

PRL 108*

PRL 109*

PRL 110*

PRL 120*

PRL 124*

PRL 128*

PRL 135 (Vanessa)*

PRL 136 (Marauder)*

PRL 137 (Martlet)*

PRL 138-150*

PRL 183-190*

PRL 207-209*

PRL 211

PRL 231-233*

PRL 237*

PRL 238-244*

* denotes operatorship

Consolidated

2020  
Percentage

2019 
 Percentage

The Group’s share of the joint operation and revenue and 
expenses consist of: 

Consolidated

Revenue

Oil sales

Gas and gas liquids sales

Expenses

Expenses excluding 
net finance costs

Oil and gas 
exploration expenses

2020 
$'000

48,718

1,250

49,968

37,194

3,263

2019 
$'000

70,795

4,559

75,354

43,269

10,491

40,457

53,760

 60%

100% 

100% 

100% 

80% 

80% 

80% 

57% 

60% 

60% 

60% 

80% 

55% 

15% 

70% 

70% 

57% 

60%

50%

50%

50%

80%

80%

80%

57%

60%

60%

60%

80%

55%

100%

70%

70%

57%

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
 
110    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 20: INTEREST IN JOINT OPERATIONS

NOTE 21: ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

The Group's share of the joint operations assets and liabilities consists of: 

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

Note

On 12 September 2019 Senex Energy Limited completed the disposal of Senex Pipeline & Processing 
Pty Ltd (SPP) for $50 million. SPP’s primary business was the construction and operation of the Roma 
North gas compression facility and associated pipeline. SPP did not contribute to the Group’s result 
during the year ended 30 June 2020.

The Group recognised a gain on disposal of SPP of $0.2 million.

8,542

19,459

NOTE 22: SUBSIDIARIES

Current assets

Trade and other receivables

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Exploration assets

Oil and gas properties

TOTAL ASSETS

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions - rehabilitation

Non-current liabilities

Provisions - rehabilitation

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

6

33,804

19,442

42,132

35,772

21,982

68,661

103,920

145,874

5,189

61

17,746

22,996

80,924

6,810

 - 

17,482

24,292

121,582

Recognition and measurement
The Group has interests in joint arrangements that are joint operations. In a joint operation the parties 
with joint control of the arrangement have rights to the assets and obligations for the liabilities relating 
to the arrangement.

In relation to its interests in joint operations, the Group recognises its:

•  assets - including its share of any assets held jointly.
•  liabilities - including its share of any liabilities incurred jointly.
•  revenue - from the sale of its share of the output arising from the joint operation.
•  expenses - including its share of any expenses incurred jointly.

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Senex Energy Limited and its 
controlled entities listed in the following table:

Parent entity

Senex Energy Limited

Directly controlled by Senex Energy Limited

Azeeza Pty Ltd

Victoria Oil Pty Ltd

Senex Weribone Pty Ltd

Permian Oil Pty Ltd

Victoria Oil Exploration (1977) Pty Ltd

Stuart Petroleum Pty Ltd

Senex Assets Pty Ltd

Senex Energy Employee Share Trust

Senex QLD Exploration Pty Ltd

Senex Pipeline & Processing Pty Ltd1

Directly controlled by Stuart Petroleum Pty Ltd

Stuart Petroleum Cooper Basin Oil Pty Ltd

Stuart Petroleum Cooper Basin Gas Pty Ltd

Country of 
incorporation

Equity interest %

2020

2019

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

Australia

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

-

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

1   On 12 September 2019 Senex Energy Limited completed the disposal of Senex Pipeline & Processing Pty Ltd.  Refer to Note 

21 for additional details.

The principal activities of Senex Energy Limited and its controlled entities were oil and gas exploration 
and production in the Cooper-Eromanga and Surat Basins.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
NOTE 23: DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE

Pursuant to ASIC Corporations (Wholly-owned Companies) Instrument 2016/785 (Relief Instrument), 
Victoria Oil Exploration (1977) Pty Ltd (wholly-owned subsidiary) is a party to a deed of cross 
guarantee with Senex Energy Limited (holding company) and was granted relief from the Corporations 
Act 2001 requirement for preparation, audit and lodgement of financial statements, and directors’ 
reports for the year ended 30 June 2020.

It is a condition of the Relief Instrument that the Company and each of the subsidiaries enter into the 
deed of cross guarantee. The effect of the cross guarantee is that the Company guarantees to each 
creditor payment in full of any debt in the event of winding up of any of the subsidiaries under certain 
provisions of the Corporations Act 2001. If a winding up occurs under other provisions of the Act, the 
Company will only be liable in the event that after six months any creditor has not been paid in full. The 
subsidiaries have also given similar guarantees in the event that the Company is wound up.

The following companies are parties to the deed of cross guarantee and represent a ‘closed group’ for 
the purposes of the Relief Instrument:

•  Senex Energy Limited

•  Azeeza Pty Ltd

•  Victoria Oil Pty Ltd

•  Senex Weribone Pty Ltd

•  Permian Oil Pty Ltd

•  Victoria Oil Exploration (1977) Pty Ltd

•  Stuart Petroleum Pty Ltd

•  Stuart Petroleum Cooper Basin Oil Pty Ltd

•  Stuart Petroleum Cooper Basin Gas Pty Ltd

•  Senex Assets Pty Ltd

As there are no other parties to the deed of cross guarantee that are controlled by the Company, the 
‘closed group’ is the same as the ‘extended group’.

•  Senex QLD Exploration Pty Ltd

Other comprehensive income

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     111

(a)   Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and summary of movements in consolidated 

accumulated losses

Set out below is a Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and a summary of movements in 
consolidated accumulated losses of the ‘closed group’:  

Continuing operations

Revenue

Other income

Expenses excluding net finance costs

Oil and gas exploration expense

Impairment

Finance expenses

(Loss)/profit before tax

Income tax benefit/(expense)

(Loss)/profit after tax

Net (loss)/profit attributable to owners of the parent entity

Items that may be subsequently reclassified to 
profit or loss (net of tax)

Change in fair value of cash flow hedges

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the 
period attributable to owners of parent entity

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

121,519

3,019

(110,962)

(2,782)

(52,145)

(10,016)

(51,367)

 - 

(51,367)

(51,367)

95,350

7,161

(86,105)

(11,327)

 - 

(1,784)

3,295

 - 

3,295

3,295

3,657

(47,710)

4,550

7,845

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
 
 
 
112    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 23: DEED OF CROSS GUARANTEE (Continued)

(b)  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position
Set out below is a Consolidated Statement of Financial Position of the ‘closed group’:

(b)  Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

ASSETS

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Prepayments

Trade and other receivables

Inventory

Other financial assets

Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Trade and other receivables

Property, plant and equipment

Oil and gas properties

Exploration assets

Intangible assets

Other financial assets

Total non-current assets

TOTAL ASSETS

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

79,908

590

19,965

6,725

9,558

116,746

 - 

116,746

49

249,196

292,512

46,707

4,133

348

592,945

709,691

62,669

1,457

27,385

10,393

3,429

105,333

50,941

156,274

49

57,683

208,530

75,018

5,163

949

347,392

503,666

LIABILITIES

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Provisions 

Other financial liabilities

Lease liabilities

Liabilities directly associated with the assets held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Provisions 

Interest bearing liabilities

Other financial liabilities

Lease liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

TOTAL LIABILITIES

NET ASSETS

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Reserves

Accumulated losses

TOTAL EQUITY

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

2019 
$'000

31,444

9,129

872

2,649

44,094

 - 

44,094

66,290

116,314

1,700

170,883

355,187

399,281

310,410

540,468

28,804

(258,862)

310,410

31,877

6,131

348

 - 

38,356

4,941

43,297

63,352

40,006

1,215

 - 

104,573

147,870

355,796

540,468

22,823

(207,495)

355,796

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     113

NOTE 24: AUDITORS REMUNERATION

NOTE 25: COMMITMENTS

The auditor of Senex Energy Limited and its controlled entities is Ernst & Young (Australia). Amounts 
received or due and receivable are set out below.

Fees to Ernst & Young (Australia):

Fees for auditing the statutory financial report of the parent 
covering the group and auditing the statutory financial reports of 
any controlled entities

Fees for assurance services that are required by legislation to be 
provided by the auditor

Fees for other assurance and agreed-upon-procedures services 
under other legislation or contractual arrangements where there is 
discretion as to whether the service is provided by the auditor or 
another firm.

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

285

-

90

419

-

81

Fees for other services 

27

312

Leasing commitments
The Group has low-value or short-term (less than 12 months) lease agreements which are not 
recognised as liabilities as disclosed in Note 10:

Minimum lease and financing payments

No later than one year

Later than one year and not later than five years

Later than five years

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

949

-

-

949

2019 
$’000

3,020

8,038

4,692

15,750

Capital commitments
The following capital commitments, including those entered into by the Group in their capacity as 
operator of Joint Operations, were contracted for at the reporting date but not recognised as liabilities:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 tax compliance

 due diligence

 IT implementation controls assessment

 remuneration review

 debt compliance

Not later than one year

Later than one year and not later than five years

402

812

Later than five years

Consolidated

2020 
$’000

6,262

-

-

6,262

2019 
$’000

19,561

20,330

118,833

158,724

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
114    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 26: CONTINGENCIES    

The Group is aware of Native Title claims made in respect of areas in Queensland in which the Group 
has an interest and recognises that there might be additional claims made in the future. A definitive 
assessment cannot be made at this time of what impact the current or future claims, if any, may have 
on the Group.

The Group has entered various counterindemnities of bank and performance guarantees related 
to its own future performance, which are in the normal course of business. The likelihood of these 
guarantees being called upon is considered remote.

The Group also has certain obligations to perform exploration work pursuant to the terms of the 
granting of petroleum exploration permits in order to maintain rights of tenure. These commitments 
may be varied as a result of renegotiations of the terms of the exploration permits, licences or contracts 
or alternatively upon their relinquishment and cannot be reliably estimated. 

There were no other unrecorded contingent assets or liabilities in place for the Group at 30 June 2020.

NOTE 27: EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING DATE    

Since the end of the financial year, the Directors are not aware of any other matters or circumstances 
not otherwise dealt with in the report or financial statements that have significantly or may significantly 
affect the operations of the Company or the Group, the results of the operations of the Company or 
the Group, or the state of affairs of the Company or the Group in subsequent financial years.

NOTE 28: PARENT ENTITY INFORMATION

(a) Summary financial information 

Total current assets

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Total current liabilities

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

NET ASSETS

EQUITY

Contributed equity

Share-based payments reserve

Other reserve

Accumulated losses

TOTAL EQUITY

Net loss

Other comprehensive income of the parent entity

Total comprehensive loss of the parent entity

Consolidated

2020 
$'000

269,200

70,117

339,317

22,092

12,719

34,811

2019 
$'000

263,410

119,856

383,266

14,730

3,848

18,578

304,506

364,688

540,722

21,485

7,065

540,722

19,161

3,408

(264,766)

(198,603)

304,506

(66,163)

3,657

(62,506)

364,688

(18,011)

4,550

(13,461)

(b) Guarantees entered into by the parent entity
There are cross guarantees provided as described in Note 23.  No liability was recognised by the 
parent entity or the consolidated entity in relation to this guarantee as the fair value of the guarantee is 
considered immaterial.

(c) Contingent assets and liabilities of the parent entity
Aside from those disclosed in Note 26, there are no unrecorded contingent assets or liabilities in place 
for the parent entity at 30 June 2020 (2019: nil).

(d) Contractual commitments for capital acquisitions
The parent entity had contractual commitments for capital acquisitions at 30 June 2020 of $nil 
(2019: $nil).

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Notes to the Financial StatementsFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     115

NOTE 29: NEW AND AMENDED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

A number of other new standards are effective from 1 July 2019, and, with the exception of 
AASB 16 Leases (AASB 16) discussed below, they do not have a material impact on the Group’s 
financial statements.

The group has adopted AASB 16 as at 1 July 2019 using the modified retrospective approach where 
the right of use asset has been recognised at an amount equal to the lease liability. Refer to Note 10 for 
the Group’s accounting policy and impact for the financial year.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020Notes to the Financial Statements 
116    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Directors' Declaration

In accordance with a resolution of the Directors of Senex Energy Limited, we state that:

(1)  In the opinion of the Directors:

(a)   the financial statements, notes and additional disclosures included in the Directors’ Report designated as audited of the consolidated 

entity are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:

(i) 

 giving a true and fair view of the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 30 June 2020 and of its performance for the year 
ended on that date; and

(ii)  complying with Accounting Standards and Corporations Regulations 2001; and

(b)  there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable; and

(c)   at the date of this declaration, there are reasonable grounds to believe that the members of the extended closed group identified in 
Note 23 will be able to meet any obligations or liabilities to which they are, or may become, subject by virtue of the deed of cross 
guarantee described in Note 23.

(2)   The financial statements and notes also comply with International Financial Reporting Standards as disclosed in ‘About these 

financial statements’.

This declaration has been made after receiving the declarations required to be made to the Directors in accordance with section 295A of the 
Corporations Act 2001 for the financial year ended 30 June 2020.

On behalf of the Board

Trevor Bourne  
Chairman 

Ian Davies 
Managing Director

Brisbane, Queensland 
21 August 2020

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     117

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Ernst & Young 
200 George Street 
Sydney  NSW  2000 Australia 
GPO Box 2646 Sydney  NSW  2001 

  Tel: +61 2 9248 5555 
Fax: +61 2 9248 5959 
ey.com/au 

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Senex Energy Limited 

Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements 

Opinion 

We have audited the financial statements of Senex Energy Limited (the “Company’) and its subsidiaries (collectively the “Group"), which comprises the consolidated statement of financial position as 
at 30 June 2020, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes to the 
financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies, and the directors' declaration. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements of the Group is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including: 

a) 

b) 

giving a true and fair view of the consolidated financial position of the Group as at 30 June 2020 and of its consolidated financial performance for the year ended on that date; and 

complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001. 

Basis for Opinion 

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the 
Financial Statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of 
the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including Independence Standards) (the “Code”) that are relevant to our audit of the 
financial statements in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Key Audit Matters 

Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in our audit of the financial statements of the current year. These matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, but we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. For each matter below, our description of 
how our audit addressed the matter is provided in that context. 

We have fulfilled the responsibilities described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report, including in relation to these matters. Accordingly, our 
audit included the performance of procedures designed to respond to our assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements. The results of our audit procedures, including 
the procedures performed to address the matters below, provide the basis for our audit opinion on the accompanying financial statements.

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
 
118    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Independent Auditor's Report 
 Senex Energy Limited 
Page 2 

1. 

Carrying value of oil and gas properties and property, plant & equipment (producing assets) 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

During the period ended 30 June 2020, the Group recorded an impairment charge of $35 
million in respect of oil & gas properties and property, plant & equipment, leaving the 
Group with remaining oil & gas properties of $293 million and property, plant & equipment 
of $294 million at 30 June 2020.   

Australian Accounting Standards require the Group to assess at the end of each reporting 
period whether there is any indication that an asset may be impaired, or whether the 
reversal of a previously recognised impairment charge may be required. If any such 
indication exists, the Group is required to estimate the recoverable amount of the asset.  

The Group operates in an industry with exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices, 
foreign exchange rates and estimation of reserves, impacting the Group’s revenues and 
operating cash flows. Impairment assessments involve forecasts in these areas, all of which 
are highly judgmental and ultimately impact on carrying value of producing oil and gas 
properties.  Accordingly, this was considered a key audit matter. 

The Group has performed an impairment indicator assessment, concluding indicators were 
present as a result of a market capitalisation deficiency at 30 June 2020 and a decline in 
global oil prices.  As a result of indicators being present, Senex’s management team 
(“Management”) performed impairment testing and assessed the recoverable value of the 
Cooper Basin Cash Generating Unit to be below the carrying value. 

Disclosures regarding this matter can be found in Note 7 to the financial statements. 

Our audit procedures included the following: 

►  Assessed the Group’s definition of cash generating units in accordance with Australian 

Accounting Standards. 

►  Assessed the completeness of the Group’s consideration of potential impairment 

indicators. 

►  Considered the relationship between asset carrying values and the Group’s market 

capitalisation. 

►  Evaluated the modelling methodology use by Management with reference to Australian 

Accounting Standards and with normal industry practice. 

►  Recalculated the carrying amount  for each cash generating unit to ensure they were 

prepared on a comparable basis with the cash flows in Management’s model; 

►  Tested the mathematical accuracy of Management’s model. 

►  Compared key forecast assumptions such as commodity prices, discount rates, 
inflation rates, and foreign exchange rates to external observable market data. 

►  Considered the recoverability of proved and probable oil & gas reserves by agreeing 

the Group’s reserves estimates to third party subsurface engineer reports and current 
year production. We also assessed the qualifications, competence and objectivity of 
the third-party experts used by the Group. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     119

Independent Auditor's Report 
 Senex Energy Limited 
Page 3 

►  Discussed with operational management the performance of the underlying assets and 

any indication of underperformance, obsolescence, significant future capital 
requirements or physical damage to assets. 

►  Considered if operation cost and capital assumptions included within Management’s 
model are acceptable considering current performance, historical actuals and future 
capital expansion including secondary recoveries (waterfloods).  

►  Considered the carrying value of producing assets against recent comparable market 

transactions and the market value of comparable companies. 

►  Assessed the adequacy of the disclosures in Note 7 of the financial statements  

2. 

Impairment assessment of capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure (non-producing assets) 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

During the period ended 30 June 2020, the Group recorded an impairment charge of $13 
million in respect of capitalised exploration and evaluation assets, leaving the Group with 
remaining capitalised exploration and evaluation expenditure of $47 million at 30 June 
2020.   

For impairment purposes the carrying value of exploration assets is impacted by the 
Group’s ability, and intention, to continue to explore its exploration assets. The results of 
exploration work also determines to what extent the oil and gas reserves and resources 
may or may not be commercially viable for extraction. The impairment testing process in 
respect of these assets is complex and judgmental and commences with an assessment of 
whether any indicators of impairment are present. Accordingly, this was considered a key 
audit matter. 

Given the decline in global commodity prices during the period, Management undertook a 
process to identify any exploration expenditure previously capitalised which was unlikely to 
be recovered through development or by sale. Although capitalised expenditure remains in 
a number of key geographical areas of focus, Management concluded that future 

Our audit procedures included the following: 

►  Considered the Group’s right of tenure to explore in the relevant exploration area, 
which included obtaining and assessing supporting documentation such as license 
agreements and correspondence with relevant government agencies. 

►  Examined the Group’s analysis of exploration and evaluation results relating to 

activities carried out in the relevant license areas, including an evaluation of drilling 
results and updates to the Group’s reported reserve and resources. 

►  Considered the Group’s intention to carry out significant exploration and evaluation 
activities in relevant exploration areas or plans to transfer the assets to oil & gas 
properties. This included the review of budgets, strategic plans and drilling plans in 
addition to enquiries with executive and operational management. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
120    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Independent Auditor's Report 
 Senex Energy Limited 
Page 4 

production at current oil pricing forecasts would be unlikely to recover the capitalised 
expenditure in full at certain areas of interest.   

Disclosures regarding this matter can be found in Note 7 to the financial statements. 

►  Considered whether any other data or information available indicated the carrying 
amount of the exploration and evaluation assets is unlikely to be recovered in full, 
from either successful development or by sale. 

►  Assessed the Group’s ability to finance any planned future exploration and evaluation 

activity in areas where impairment indicators where not otherwise identified. 

►  Considered the fair value of the Group’s exploration and evaluation assets with 

reference to the Group’s market capitalisation and broker reports. 

►  Considered the carrying value of exploration and evaluation assets against recent 
comparable market transactions and the market value of comparable companies. 

Assessed the adequacy of the disclosures in Note 7 of the financial statements. 

3. 

Accrued oil revenue 

Why significant 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

As at 30 June 2020 the Group has $8.4 million of accrued oil revenue (30 June 2019: 
$18.6 million), which represents a significant portion (14%) of total annual oil revenue (30 
June 2019: 24.5%).  

In accordance with contractual terms within the Crude Oil Sale and Purchase Agreement 
(‘COSPA’), risk and title of oil produced in the Cooper-Basin is transferred to the South 
Australian Cooper Basin Joint Venture (“SACBJV”) when the oil reaches the Moomba 
processing facility. The supply of oil to the Moomba processing facility is the point the 
Group satisfies its performance obligation to the SACBJV in respect of the supply of oil. 
Revenue is calculated using forecast oil prices when title has passed, with actual invoices 
raised when the oil has shipped from Port Bonython. 

Our audit procedures included the following:   

►  Assessed the point of revenue recognition with reference to the executed contracts 

between the parties. 

►  Obtained directly from the SACBJV an independent confirmation of the barrels of oil 

received at the Moomba processing facility, but not yet shipped via Port Bonython. 

►  For all accrued revenue barrels sold, assessed the estimated sales price applied by the 
Group to forward commodity price assumptions together with estimates of quality 
premiums and exchange rates for the period in which settlement is likely to occur with 
reference to contractual arrangements and Brent oil price futures. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     121

Independent Auditor's Report 
 Senex Energy Limited 
Page 5 

Given the complexity in calculating volume of oil supplied and judgement in the application 
of the estimated transaction price, minor variations can lead to significant changes in the 
calculated revenue recorded. As such, this was considered a key audit matter. 

Disclosures regarding this matter can be found in Note 5 to the financial statements. 

►  Selected shipments which occurred close to the period end and assessed whether 

revenue was recorded in the correct period.  

Information Other than the Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report Thereon 

The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Company’s annual report for the year ended 30 June 2020 other than the 
financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. We obtained the Directors’ Report, Operating and Financial Review, Material Risks, Glossary and Corporate Directory, that are to be included in 
the annual report, prior to the date of this auditor’s report, and we expect to obtain the remaining sections of the annual report after the date of this auditor’s report.  

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not and will not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon, with the exception of the Remuneration 
Report and our related assurance opinion. 

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the 
financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  

If, based on the work we have performed on the other information obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we 
are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the Financial Statements 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations 
Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial statements that gives a true and fair view and is free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and 
using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report 
that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a 
material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the 
economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial statements. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
122    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

Independent Auditor's Report 
 Senex Energy Limited 
Page 6 

As part of an audit in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain 
audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from 
error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 
Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion 
on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.  
Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the directors. 
Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to 
events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in 
our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence 
obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.  
Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represents the underlying transactions and 
events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 
Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the financial statements. We are 
responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with the directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control 
that we identify during our audit. 

We also provide the directors with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements regarding independence, and to communicate with them all relationships and other matters 
that may reasonably be thought to bear on our independence, and where applicable, actions taken to eliminate threats or safeguards applied. 

From the matters communicated to the directors, we determine those matters that were of most significance in the audit of the financial statements of the current year and are therefore the key audit 
matters. We describe these matters in our auditor’s report unless law or regulation precludes public disclosure about the matter or when, in extremely rare circumstances, we determine that a matter 
should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication. 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Independent Auditor’s Report (continued)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     123

Independent Auditor's Report 
 Senex Energy Limited 
Page 7 

Report on the Audit of the Remuneration Report 

Opinion on the Remuneration Report 

We have audited the Remuneration Report included in pages 29 to 47 of the directors' report for the year ended 30 June 2020. 

In our opinion, the Remuneration Report of Senex Energy Limited for the year ended 30 June 2020, complies with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. 

Responsibilities 

The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the Remuneration Report in accordance with section 300A of the Corporations Act 2001. Our responsibility is 
to express an opinion on the Remuneration Report, based on our audit conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

Ernst & Young 

Anthony Jones      
Partner      
Sydney      
21 August 2020    

    Matthew Taylor 

             Partner 
             Brisbane  

    21 August 

A member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited 
Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
124    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Additional information

Tenement interests

Senex’s portfolio of exploration, development and production assets as at 30 June 2020. 

Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

EXPLORATION

Cooper/Eromanga Basins

PEL 94

PEL 182*

PEL 516*

PEL 639*

Surat Basin

899.87

870.18

1552.30

627.45

15

57

100

100

Beach**, Strike

Acer Energy

ATP 1190 (Weribone)

12.19

20.65

AGL, Armour Energy**

ATP 767*

ATP 889*

ATP 593* 

ATP 771*

PCA 125* - (East) 

313.6

76.95

384.6

538.36

154.00

100

100

100

100

100

PCA 126* - (West) 

154.00

100

PCA 127* - (Central) 

231.00

100

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

ATP 771

ATP 771

ATP 771

PCA 157 - (Weribone 
block only) 

12.19

20.65

AGL, Armour Energy**

ATP 1190

PCA 184*

76.90

100

PCA 249* 

230.79

100

ATP 767

ATP 593

134.98

496.00

1552.30

627.45

2.52

76.90

76.95

230.79

538.36

154.00 
(already counted 
in ATP 771 area)

154.00 
(already counted 
in ATP 771 area)

231.00 
(already counted 
in ATP 771 area)

2.52 
(already counted 
in ATP 1190 area)

76.90 
(already counted 
in ATP 767 area)

0.00 
(already counted 
in ATP 593 area)

Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

PRODUCTION

Surat Basin

PL 1022* (East)

230.60

100

PL 1023* (West)

230.50

100

PL 1024* (Central)

224.60

100

PL 1037*

58

100

Cooper/Eromanga Basins

PPL 203 (Acrasia)*

PPL 206 (Derrilyn1)

PPL 207 (Worrior)*

PPL 208 (Derrilyn)

PPL 209 (Harpoono)* 

PPL 211 (Reg Sprigg 
West2)

PPL 213 (Mirage)*

PPL 214 (Ventura)*

PPL 215 (Toparoa)

PPL 217 (Arwon)*

PPL 218 (Arwon East)*

PPL 221 (Padulla)*

PPL 241 (Vintage Crop)*

PPL 240 (Snatcher)*

PPL 242 (Growler)*

PPL 243 (Mustang)*

PPL 251 (Burruna)*

PPL 258 (Spitfire)*

2.03

1.40

6.41

0.26

10.02

0.12

9.69

1.56

0.89

0.81

0.62

4.56

0.53

3.08

7.87

3.61

1.02

8.10

100

35

70

35

100

25

100

100

35

100

100

100

100

60

60

60

100

60

ATP 767, 795 
and 889

ATP 767 and 
795

ATP 767 and 
795

N/A Tender 
Award

90

Santos

93

113

113

90

115

115

113

93

113

113

516

111

104

111

115

104

Santos**

Cooper

Santos**

Santos**, Beach, 
Lattice Energy

Santos**

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

230.60

230.50

224.60

58.00

2.03

0.49

4.49

0.09

10.02

0.03

9.69

1.56

0.31

0.81

0.62

4.56

0.53

5.05

4.72

2.17

1.02

4.86

ANNUAL REPORT 2020ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     125

Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

PPL 263 (Marlet North)*

PPL 264 (Martlet)*

PPL 265 (Marauder)*

PPL 266 (Breguet)

0.58

1.30

1.87

1.98

60

60

60

60

PPL 268 (Vanessa)

1.80

57

RETENTION

Cooper/Eromanga Basins

PRL 15*

PRL 16*

PRL 50*3

PRL 51*3

PRL 52*3

PRL 53*3

PRL 54*3

PRL 55*3

PRL 56*3

PRL 57*3

PRL 58*3

PRL 59*3

PRL 60*3

PRL 61*3

PRL 62*3

PRL 63*3

PRL 64*3

PRL 65*3

PRL 66*3

6.87

3.09

97.76

99.34

97.33

99.63

96.07

99.63

99.36

99.19

98.59

99.14

99.68

98.87

98.83

94.35

98.04

97.70

96.27

60

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

111

104 and PRL 
137

PEL 104 and 
PRL 136

104 and PRL 
136

PEL 182 and 
PRL 135

104

113

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

88

0.35

0.78

1.12

1.19

1.03

4.12

3.09

97.76

99.34

97.33

99.63

96.07

99.63

99.36

99.19

98.59

99.14

99.68

98.87

98.83

94.35

98.04

97.70

96.27

PRL 67*3

PRL 68*3

PRL 69*3

PRL 70*3

PRL 71*3

PRL 72*3

PRL 73*

PRL 74*3

PRL 75*3

PRL 76*

PRL 77*

PRL 78*

PRL 79*

PRL 80*

PRL 81*

PRL 82*

PRL 83*

PRL 84*

PRL 105*

PRL 106*

PRL 107* - 
Surrendered 
18/10/2019

PRL 108*

PRL 109*

PRL 110*

PRL 116*

PRL 117*

PRL 120*

PRL 124*3

96.95

98.52

94.08

77.35

75.96

72.53

94.48

82.57

49.05

84.77

77.21

98.23

96.99

60.28

78.46

76.66

98.58

52.89

82.54

23.27

94.03

41.89

93.22

83.79

63.92

1.59

99.30

84.83

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

80

80

Planet Gas

Planet Gas

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

102

102

113

113

113

113

113

113

113

115

115

115

105

105

105

115

115

514

514

96.95

98.52

94.08

77.35

75.96

72.53

94.48

82.57

49.05

84.77

77.21

98.23

96.99

60.28

78.46

76.66

98.58

52.89

82.54

23.27

94.03 
Not counted in 
total area

41.89

93.22

83.79

63.92

1.59

79.44

67.86

126    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

PRL 128*3

PRL 135*

PRL 136*

PRL 137*

PRL 138*

PRL 139*

PRL 140*

PRL 141*

PRL 142*

PRL 143*

PRL 144*

PRL 145*

PRL 146*

PRL 147*

PRL 148*

PRL 149*

PRL 150*

PRL 183*

PRL 184*

PRL 185*

PRL 186*

PRL 187*

PRL 188*

PRL 189*

PRL 190*

PRL 207*

PRL 208*

PRL 209*

PRL 210*

86.58

0.91

72.20

72.73

89.23

94.85

98.41

77.29

99.36

94.97

88.87

94.54

98.03 

85.18

94.12

94.62

22.82

82.58

93.50

86.78

86.67

97.32

93.83

88.70

98.13

99.14

98.89

98.47

98.80

80

57

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

60

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

80

55

55

55

100

Planet Gas

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper 

Cooper, Santos

Cooper, Santos

Cooper, Santos

514

182

104

104

104

104

104

104

111

111

111

111

111

111

111

111

111

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

110

100

100

100

637

69.26

0.52

43.32

43.64

53.54

56.91

59.05

46.37

59.62

56.98

53.32

56.72

57.58

51.11

56.00

56.77

13.69

66.06

74.80

69.42

69.34

77.86

75.06

70.96

78.50

54.53

54.39

54.16

98.80

PRL 2114

98.49

15

Vintage Energy Ltd**, 
Bridgeport (Cooper 
Basin) Pty Ltd, 
Metgasco Ltd

PRL 212*

PRL 213*

PRL 214*

PRL 215*

PRL 216*

PRL 217*

PRL 218*

PRL 219*

PRL 220*

PRL 221*

PRL 222*

PRL 223*

PRL 224*

PRL 225*

PRL 226*

PRL 227*

PRL 228*

PRL 229*

PRL 230*

PRL 231*

PRL 232*

PRL 233*

PRL 237*

PRL 238*

PRL 239*

PRL 240*

86.53

97.12

96.61

88.65

71.61

97.11

89.87

86.42

96.38

85.56

93.61

95.12

95.86

98.84

98.37

51.96

89.93

99.00

95.76

86.82

95.04

94.66

17.64

98.50

99.10

99.15

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

70

70

70

70

57

57

57

Cooper

Cooper

Cooper

Cooper5

Beach

Beach

Beach

637

637

637

637

637

637

637

637

637

637

638

638

638

638

638

638

638

638

638

638

93

93

93

93

182

182

182

14.77

86.53

97.12

96.61

88.65

71.61

97.11

89.87

86.42

96.38

85.56

93.61

95.12

95.86

98.84

98.37

51.96

89.93

99.00

95.76

60.77

66.53

66.26

12.35

56.15

56.49

56.52

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Permit 
(*Operated by Senex)

Area 
(km2)

Interest 
(%)

Joint Venturers 
(**Operator)

Original PEL/
ATP

Senex net area 
(km2)

SXY interest in PPL 211 licence is 100%, working interest in RSW-1 well is 25%. No unitisation 
agreement (as with Derrilyn) only letter agreement in place

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     127

Area calculations

SA gross area (excl applications)

SA net area (excl applications)

QLD gross area (excl applications)

QLD net area (excl applications)

Total gross Senex area (excl applications)

Total net Senex area (excl applications)

km2

 13,174

 10,701

 1,679

 1,669

14,853

12,370

PRL 241*

PRL 242*

PRL 243*

PRL 244*

PRL 245*

PRL 246*

APPLICATIONS

Surat Basin

99.05

98.33

99.68

98.69

93.09

51.56

57

57

57

57

100

100

Beach

Beach

Beach

Beach

182

182

182

182

90

90

ATP 2042 - application 

153.00

100

Cooper/Eromanga Basins

PPL 270

10.26

100%

preferred 
tenderer for 
PLR2018-1-1

PEL 516 
(Gemba)

56.46

56.05

56.82

56.25

93.09

51.56

153.00

10.26

Footnotes:
[1]  Santos PPL 206 forms part of Derrilyn Unitisation Agreement with PPLs 208 & 215

[2]  Santos PPL 194 forms part of Reg Sprigg West agreement with PPL 211

[3]   During the year, Senex and Oilex Limited (Oilex) entered into a sale agreement for the permits.  Oilex has separately agreed to 
transfer the permits to Armour Energy Limited.  The transaction remains subject to conditions precedent which are expected 
to be satisfied, and completion expected to occur, by September 2020.

[4]   Transaction completed on 28 April 2020 to transfer 85% of permit to Vintage, Metgaso & Bridgeport, with Vintage to become 

operator. Interest & operatorship to be assigned.  Approval and Registration of Dealings approved 26 May 2020.

[5]  20% of Senex interest to be assigned to Metgasco

128    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Shareholder statistics

Additional information is provided pursuant to ASX listing rule 4.10 and not shown elsewhere in this 
Annual Report:

The names of the 20 largest holders of fully paid shares, the number each holds, and the percentage of 
capital each holds as at 31 July 2020:

No.

Name

A distribution schedule of the number of holders in each class of equity securities as at 31 July 2020:

1 HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED

Size of holding

1-1,000

1,001-5,000

5,001-10,000

10,001-100,000

100,001 +

Total 

Number of Holders

Listed fully 
paid shares

Unlisted 
performance rights

Unlisted share 
appreciation rights

1,111

4,045

2,286

6,128

1,499

15,069

-

-

-

36

33

69

-

-

-

-

5

5

The number of holders holding less than a marketable parcel of fully paid ordinary shares as at 31 July 
2020 was 1,971.

2

3

CITICORP NOMINEES PTY LIMITED

J P MORGAN NOMINEES AUSTRALIA PTY LIMITED

4 NATIONAL NOMINEES LIMITED

5

6

ELPHINSTONE HOLDINGS PTY LTD

BOW ENERGY LIMITED

7 HSBC CUSTODY NOMINEES (AUSTRALIA) LIMITED 



8 HOOKS ENTERPRISES PTY LTD 

9 MR ANDREY ZHMUROVSKY

10 BNP PARIBAS NOMS (NZ) LTD 

11 MR ROBERT BRYAN

12 BRAZIL FARMING PTY LTD

13 BNP PARIBAS NOMINEES PTY LTD 

14 BNP PARIBAS NOMS PTY LTD 

15 MR GEORGE SPIROS PAPACONSTANTINOS

16

J & A VAUGHAN SUPER PTY LTD 

17 MR CHRISTOPHER JOHN PIKE + MS NATALIE KAY GREEN 



Number 

253,230,057

156,836,302

144,959,526

37,780,077

21,777,928

12,738,621

12,308,205

9,400,000

9,000,000

7,044,375

7,000,000

6,000,000

5,462,978

5,350,445

5,209,250

4,883,528

4,509,216

%

17.37

10.76

9.94

2.59

1.49

0.87

0.84

0.64

0.62

0.48

0.48

0.41

0.37

0.37

0.36

0.33

0.31

18 MR MICHAEL RYALLS + MRS DULCIE ELLEN RYALLS 

4,173,870

0.29



19 CS THIRD NOMINEES PTY LIMITED 


3,830,001

0.26

20

PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PTY LTD

3,825,616

0.26

At the date of the Annual Report, there were no substantial holders who had given notice to the 
Company of their interests.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     129

Voting rights

Subject to the constitution and to any rights or restrictions 
attaching to any class of shares, every member is entitled to vote 
at a general meeting of the Company. Subject to the constitution 
and the Corporations Act 2001, every member present in person or 
by proxy, representative or attorney at a general meeting has, on a 
show of hands, one vote, and on a poll, one vote for each fully paid 
share held by a member. 

Pictured: One of the wells at 
Senex's Roma North field, which is 
outperforming expectations.

130    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Five-year history

At 30 June

Financial performance ($’000)

Sales revenue

Total revenue

Income tax benefit / (expense)

(Loss) / profit after tax

Financial position ($'000)

Total assets

Total equity

Production and reserves

Production – oil and gas (mmboe)

2P reserves – oil (mmboe)

2P reserves – gas (mmboe)

Capital expenditure ($'000)

Total capital expenditure

FY20

120,269

121,519 

-   

(51,367)

709,691 

310,410 

2.08

 5.9

128.5 

FY19

94,094 

95,350 

-   

3,295

503,666 

355,796 

1.20 

7.3 

104.1 

FY18

70,301

71,454

-

(94,010)

427,319

346,273

0.84

8.3

104.8

FY17

43,650

44,811

-

(22,661)

513,493

439,485

0.75

9.3

74.7

FY16

69,287

111,557

-

(33,196)

454,105

369,645

1.01

10.4

73

FY15

115,910

120,878

(10,681)

(80,646)

484,174

401,916

1.39

11.3

83.3

155,300 

109,300 

80,100

62,300

27,800

82,200

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     131

At 30 June

Share information

Issued shares

Weighted average shares

Share price

Ratios

Basic (loss) / earnings per share (cents)

Diluted (loss) / earnings per share (cents)

General ($'000)

Market capitalisation

Current liabilities

(Loss) / profit after tax

Interest income

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment

Exploration expenses

FY20

FY19

FY18

FY17

FY16

FY15

1,457,819,867 

1,455,876,863 

0.23 

1,453,069,535 

1,451,657,667 

0.36 

1,447,271,094

1,446,995,988

0.44

1,442,250,404

1,252,319,487

0.28

1,152,686,422

1,152,686,422

0.26

1,149,657,377

1,149,307,488

0.28

(3.53)

(3.53)

335,299

44,094

(51,367)

558

39,226

52,145

2,782

0.23

0.22

523,105

43,257

3,295

927

26,777

-

11,327

(6.50)

(6.50)

629,563

29,190

(94,010)

1,487

20,647

113,255

3,180

(1.82)

(1.82)

396,619

29,666

(22,661)

1,885

21,145

-

8,688

(2.88)

(2.88)

293,935

35,490

(33,196)

1,510

23,605

69,673

2,268

(6.11)

(7.02)

321,904

29,831

(91,327)

634

24,744

96,963

18,430

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
132    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Glossary

Term

Definition and/or usage

Term

Definition and/or usage

$ 

1P

2P 

3P

2C

ASX 

ATP

bbl

Beach 

boe

bopd 

Australian dollars unless otherwise stated

Cooper Basin 

The sedimentary geological basin of upper Carboniferous to middle Triassic 
age in north-east South Australia and south-west Queensland

Proved (developed plus undeveloped) reserves in accordance with the 
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) petroleum resources management 
system (PRMS)

Proved plus probable reserves in accordance with the SPE PRMS

Proved plus probable plus possible reserves 

Best estimate scenario of contingent resources in accordance with the 
SPE PRMS

Australian Securities Exchange

Authority to Prospect – granted under the Petroleum Act 1923 (Qld) or the 
Petroleum Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld)

Barrels. The standard unit of measurement for all oil and condensate 
production. One barrel = 159 litres or 35 imperial gallons

Beach Energy Limited

Cooper-Eromanga Basin

The Cooper Basin and the overlying Eromanga Basin within the limits of the 
Cooper Basin

cps 

CSG 

EA

EBITDA 

EBITDAX

EPBC

FID

Cents per share

Coal seam gas where natural gas is stored within coal deposits or seams

Environmental Authority

Earnings before interest, taxes, impairment, depreciation (or depletion) 
and amortisation

Earnings before interest, taxes, impairment, depreciation (or depletion), 
amortisation and exploration expense

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

Final Investment Decision. Approval to proceed with a project

Barrels of oil equivalent. The volume of hydrocarbons expressed in terms of 
the volume of oil which would contain an equivalent volume of energy

Field operating costs

Field operating costs are the direct cost of producing oil and gas at a field 
level and exclude items such as royalties, tolls, tariffs and certain head 
office allocations

Barrels of oil per day

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Term

FY

GJ

GLNG

Definition and/or usage

Financial year

Gigajoule

The Santos GLNG joint venture comprising Santos Limited, Total, PETRONAS 
and KOGAS

Gross pay

The overall interval in which hydrocarbons are present in a well

GSA

JV

LNG 

Gas sales agreement

Joint venture

Liquefied natural gas, which is natural gas that has been liquefied by 
refrigeration for storage or transportation

Term

Net pay 

NPAT

Oil 

Option

P&A

PEL

Market capitalisation

The company’s market value at a given time. Calculated as the number of 
shares on issue multiplied by the share price

Performance Right

mbbl

mmbbl

mmboe 

mmscfd

Thousand barrels

Million barrels

Million barrels of oil equivalent

Million standard cubic feet of gas per day

PJ

Petajoule

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     133

Definition and/or usage

The smaller portions of the gross pay that meet local criteria for pay; porosity, 
permeability and hydrocarbon saturation parameters such that the reservoir is 
capable of producing hydrocarbons

Net profit after tax

A mixture of liquid hydrocarbons of different molecular weights

A right issued by the company subject to an exercise price, an expiry date 
and other conditions entitling the holder to receive a Share by exercising the 
Option, paying the exercise price and satisfying all other conditions before the 
expiry date

Plugged and abandoned

A petroleum exploration licence granted under the Petroleum and Geothermal 
Energy Act 2000 (SA) 

A right issued by the company to an eligible employee of the Group under 
the company’s Employee Performance Rights Plan (Rights Plan) subject to an 
expiry date and other conditions which may include performance conditions 
and service conditions. The company provides the reward to the holder in the 
form of shares unless the company elects to provide part or all of the reward 
in cash

134    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Term

PL

PPL

PRL

RRR

Reserve

SACB JV

Sales gas

Definition and/or usage

Term

Definition and/or usage

Petroleum Lease granted under the Petroleum Act 1923 (Qld) or the Petroleum 
Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004

Sales volumes

Equal to production less volumes of hydrocarbons used as fuel in operations; 
flared; vented; other shrinkages; and inventory movements

A Petroleum Production Licence granted under the Petroleum and Geothermal 
Energy Act 2000 (SA)

Or a petroleum pipeline licence granted under the Petroleum Gas (Production 
and Safety) Act 2004 (Qld)

Santos 

SAR 

Petroleum Retention Licence granted under the Petroleum and Geothermal 
Energy Act 2000 (SA)

Production

The volume of hydrocarbons produced in production operations

Santos Limited

A share appreciation right issued by the company to an eligible employee of 
the Group under the company’s Share Appreciation Rights Plan (SARs Plan). 
The right is subject to an expiry date and other conditions that may include 
performance conditions and service conditions, entitling the holder to receive 
a reward if the SAR vests by exercising the vested SAR before the expiry date. 
The value of the reward is calculated by reference to the positive increase 
in the market price of shares from the day the SAR is granted to the day it 
is exercised. The company provides the reward to the holder in the form of 
shares unless the company elects to provide part or all of the reward in cash

Reserves replacement ratio, which is the sum of estimated reserves additions 
and revisions divided by estimated production for the period before 
acquisitions and divestments

Seismic survey

A survey used to gain an understanding of rock formations beneath the 
Earth’s surface

Commercially recoverable resources which have been justified for 
development, as defined in the SPE’s PRMS

The South Australian Cooper Basin Joint Venture that involves Santos (as 
operator), Beach and Origin

The output following processing to remove production water and impurities. 
Sales gas is transported by pipeline to customers

Senex

Share 

Surat Basin 

Senex Energy Ltd 

Fully paid ordinary share issued by the company

The sedimentary geological basin of Jurassic to Cretaceous age in southern 
Queensland and northern New South Wales

ANNUAL REPORT 2020ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     135

Term

SXY 

tcf 

TJ 

TRIFR 

Definition and/or usage

Senex’s code on the Australian Securities Exchange

Trillion cubic feet of gas

Terajoule

Total recordable injury frequency rate. The total number of fatalities, lost time 
injuries, alternate work, and other injuries requiring medical treatment per 
million hours worked

TSR 

Total shareholder return

Underlying EBITDA

Earnings before interest, taxes, impairment, depreciation (or depletion) and 
amortisation excluding the impacts of asset acquisitions and disposals, as well 
as items that are subject to significant variability from one period to the next, 
including the Beach Energy transaction and restructuring 

Underlying 
NPAT

Waterflood

Underlying net profit after tax excludes the impacts of asset acquisitions, 
disposals and impairments, as well as items that are subject to significant 
variability from one period to the next, including the Beach Energy transaction 
and restructuring 

A means of improving oil recovery by maintaining pressure in the formation 
and improving sweep, or displacement, efficiency. Maintaining pressure is 
accomplished by injecting water of suitable quality into the target formation 
in sufficient quantity to compensate for the fluid removed from the reservoir 
through production

136    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Corporate Directory

SENEX ENERGY LIMITED

Australian Business Number 
50 008 942 827

Directors
Trevor Bourne (Chairman)

Ian Davies (Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer)

Ralph Craven (Non-executive Director)

Timothy Crommelin (Non-executive Director) 

Debra Goodin (Non-executive Director) 

Glenda McLoughlin (Non-executive Director)

John Warburton (Non-executive Director)

Company Secretary 
David Pegg

Securities exchange
Australian Securities 
Exchange (ASX) Code: SXY

Bankers
ANZ 
Level 20, 111 Eagle Street, 
Brisbane, Queensland 4000

Auditors

Ernst & Young 
Level 51, 111 Eagle Street, 
Brisbane, Queensland 4000

Principal place of business

Level 30, 180 Ann Street, 
Brisbane, Queensland 4000 
Australia

Telephone  +61 7 3335 9000

Facsimile    +61 7 3335 9999

Website      www.senexenergy.com.au

Share registry
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited 
117 Victoria Street, 
West End, Queensland 4101

Telephone: 1300 850 505 (toll free within Australia) 

Email          web.queries@computershare.com.au  

Website      www.computershare.com 

To maintain or update your details online and 
enjoy full access to all your holdings and other 
valuable information, simply visit 
www.investorcentre.com 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020Senex Energy Limited

Head Office: 
Level 30, 180 Ann Street, 
Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia

Telephone +61 7 3335 9000

Postal Address: 
GPO Box 2233, 
Brisbane, Queensland, 4000, Australia

Email: info@senexenergy.com.au

Visit us at: www.senexenergy.com.au