Session 4. Oral Presentation for: When facts don’t win arguments

Presented on 19 May 2026: Session 4 Technical professionals rely on facts and data to reach conclusions. When disagreement arises, the instinctive response is to present more facts, data and analysis. However, experience across the energy industry, particularly in coal seam gas (CSG) areas, is that while facts and data are necessary to resolve differences, they are seldom sufficient. This paper examines factors shaping engagement outcomes – why facts often fail to shift community or stakeholder positions. It explores what can be done differently and proposes key factors to consider: (1) Ready to listen: Before a conversation can start, all parties must be ready to pay attention and listen to each other. Case study: Injune community and Fairview CSG field development. (2) Same facts different conclusions: Everyone brings different histories and perspectives to a discussion. For a given set of facts, what is an inescapable conclusion to one party may represent an unacceptably high risk to another. Risk tolerance is a judgement usually based on experience. How non-technical people assess risk needs to be appreciated. Case study: CSG and owners of irrigated land. Case study: Onshore carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and local communities. (3) My tribe: We all belong to a tribe. If an individual is strongly affiliated with their tribe – which may also be their key social group – this is a critical factor in their stance on a subject. Industry personnel should appreciate these factors when engaging with stakeholders – both from the other party’s perspective and their own. To access the Oral Presentation click ‘Supplementary data’ below. To read the full paper click here