International banks no longer involved with Santos’ Barossa gas project

Message to ANZ:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 ANZ participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa project. I understand that your decision to participate in this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

It was extremely disappointing to read that ANZ recently rejected a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners on the basis that Santos had not consented to participate in this process. The first time ANZ’s grievance mechanism is tested, it fails at the first hurdle. Reporting also suggests that Shayne Elliot has backtracked on his commitment to go to the Tiwi Islands.[2]

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. Recently, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on ANZ to:

• Honour Shayne Elliot’s commitments to visit Tiwi and come up with a clear timeline of when that will happen in the next few months
• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos including corporate finance. This should include the syndicated loan in August next year.

Please respond to this email to confirm how ANZ will address these serious issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

[2] https://www.theleader.com.au/story/8654740/tiwi-islanders-take-aim-at-banks-complaint-rejection/

Message to CommBank

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 Commonwealth Bank participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa project. I understand that your decision to participate in this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. Recently, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

While it was good to see Matt Comyn be the first of the CEO of the big four banks to commit to going to the Tiwi Islands, no clear dates that have been locked in for that trip.

Given Santos’ poor environmental and human rights track record, I am calling on Commonwealth Bank to:

• Confirm dates for when Matt Comyn will go to the Tiwi Islands and speak directly to Traditional Owners within the next few months
• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos including corporate finance. This should include the syndicated loan in August next year.

Please respond to this email to confirm how Commonwealth Bank will address these serious issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

Message to NAB:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 NAB participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa project. I understand that your decision to participate in this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Late last year the CEOs of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac all agreed to go to the Tiwi Islands to speak directly to Tiwi Traditional Owners. NAB’s CEO Andrew Irvine is the only CEO from the big four banks that has rejected this invitation.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. Recently, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor environmental and human rights track record, I am calling on NAB to:

• Follow the lead of the CEOs of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac and agree to go to the Tiwi Islands.
• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos. This should include the bilateral loan agreement due to be refinanced in August this year and the syndicated loan in August next year.

Please respond to this email to confirm how NAB will address these serious issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

Message to Westpac:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 Westpac participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa project. I understand that your decision to participate in this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

While late last year Peter King agreed to go to the Tiwi Islands to discuss these issues with Tiwi Traditional Owners, it is unclear when he is planning to uphold this commitment. Reporting from the Australian Financial Review suggests he is planning on having a video call instead. [2]

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. Recently, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on Westpac to:

• Honour Peter King’s commitments to visit Tiwi and confirm with a clear timeline for when that will happen in the next few months
• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos. This should include the bilateral loan agreement due in August this year and the syndicated loan in August next year.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

[2] https://www.afr.com/companies/financial-services/damning-tiwi-island-judgment-makes-bank-ceos-wary-of-in-person-visits-20240605-p5jjd1

Message to Mizuho:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project in Australia.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 Mizuho participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa gas field. I understand that your decision to refinance this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Santos’ project partner JERA also faces criticism from its involvement in the Barossa gas project in Japan [2] and beyond [3] due to inadequate human rights due diligence [4] and its disregarding engagement with stakeholders. Moreover, JERA faces protests [5] around the world for its involvement in the LNG buildout in the US and emerging economies, which brings harm to local communities and environment.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Australian Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. A few weeks ago, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on Mizuho to:

• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos. This should include the bilateral loan agreement due in August this year and the syndicated loan in August next year.
• Not provide any project finance to any of Santos’ projects including Barossa, Papua LNG and the Narrabri gas project

Please respond to this email addressing these issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

[2] https://fb.watch/sLnrrN5wAI/

[3] http://www.m-economynews.com/mobile/article.html?no=42199

[4] https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/tiwis-take-on-tokyo-to-tame-gas-project-threatening-their-culture-20240227-p5f84k.html

[5] https://www.japangreenwashsummit.com/

Message to MUFG:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project in Australia.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 MUFG participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa gas field. I understand that your decision to refinance this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Santos’ project partner JERA also faces criticism from its involvement in the Barossa gas project in Japan [2] and beyond [3] due to inadequate human rights due diligence [4] and its disregarding engagement with stakeholders. Moreover, JERA faces protests [5] around the world for its involvement in the LNG buildout in the US and emerging economies, which brings harm to local communities and environment.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Australian Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. A few weeks ago, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on MUFG to:

• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos. This should include the bilateral loan agreement due in August this year and the syndicated loan in August next year.
• Not provide any project finance to any of Santos’ projects including Barossa, Papua LNG and the Narrabri gas project

Please respond to this email addressing these issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

[2] https://fb.watch/sLnrrN5wAI/

[3] http://www.m-economynews.com/mobile/article.html?no=42199

[4] https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/tiwis-take-on-tokyo-to-tame-gas-project-threatening-their-culture-20240227-p5f84k.html

[5] https://www.japangreenwashsummit.com/

Message to SMBC:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project in Australia.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 SMBC participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa gas field. I understand that your decision to refinance this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Santos’ project partner JERA also faces criticism from its involvement in the Barossa gas project in Japan [2] and beyond [3] due to inadequate human rights due diligence [4] and its disregarding engagement with stakeholders. Moreover, JERA faces protests [5] around the world for its involvement in the LNG buildout in the US and emerging economies, which brings harm to local communities and environment.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Australian Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. A few weeks ago, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on SMBC to:

• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos. This should include the bilateral loan agreement due in August this year and the syndicated loan in August next year.
• Not provide any project finance to any of Santos’ projects including Barossa, Papua LNG and the Narrabri gas project

Please respond to this email addressing these issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

[2] https://fb.watch/sLnrrN5wAI/

[3] http://www.m-economynews.com/mobile/article.html?no=42199

[4] https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/tiwis-take-on-tokyo-to-tame-gas-project-threatening-their-culture-20240227-p5f84k.html

[5] https://www.japangreenwashsummit.com/

Message to Royal Bank of Canada:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 Royal Bank of Canada participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa gas field. I understand that your decision to refinance this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Australian Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. A few weeks ago, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on Royal Bank of Canada to publicly commit not to refinance Santos including the syndicated loan in August next year.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

Message to Citi:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 CitiGroup participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa gas field. I understand that your decision to refinance this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Australian Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. A few weeks ago, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

CitiGroup needs to listen to investors and take Indigenous human rights seriously.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on CitiGroup to publicly commit not to refinance Santos including the syndicated loan in August next year.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html

Message to ING:

You may have seen news that BNP Paribas and Korean Export Import Bank are no longer involved in the financing of Santos’ Barossa gas project.[1]

I understand that, despite the claimed commitments to the principles of ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) in your human rights policy, in August 2022 ING participated in a loan to Santos, related to the Barossa gas field. I understand that your decision to refinance this loan was the subject of a human rights complaint from Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners.

Late last year the CEOs of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac all agreed to go to the Tiwi Islands to speak directly to Tiwi Traditional Owners. Will the bank of ING follow this lead and meet with Tiwi Traditional Owners on their country?

Tiwi and Larrakia Traditional Owners are not the only groups that have expressed concerns about Santos’ gas projects. Earlier this year Gomeroi Traditional Owners won an appeal against Santos, with the Australian Federal Court ruling that the Native Title Tribunal should have allowed evidence on climate change when considering Santos’ $3.6 billion Narrabri gas project.

Banks across the world are waking up to Santos’ destructive climate and human rights plans. A few weeks ago, Papua New Guinea’s own local bank Bank South Pacific ruled out funding to Santos, TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil’s Papua LNG gas project.

Given Santos’ poor track record of environmental and human rights, I am calling on ING to:

• Follow the lead of the CEOs of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank and Westpac and agree to go to the Tiwi Islands to speak directly with Traditional Owners there.
• Publicly commit not to refinance Santos. This should include the bilateral loan agreement due in August this year and the syndicated loan in August next year.

Please respond to this email addressing these issues.

[1] https://www.theage.com.au/business/banking-and-finance/major-financial-institutions-cut-ties-with-santos-barossa-gas-project-20240610-p5jknf.html