The various functions of public relations are playing an increasingly important part in the activities of the many companies now engaged in oil exploration in Australia._x000D_
Several of the larger exploration companies, notably West Australian Petroleum Pty.Limited, Ampol Exploration Limited, Caltex Oil (Australia) PtSr: Limited and Australian Oil and Gas Ltd. (and its American Associate Union-Kern), employ staff or consultant public relations specialists. In, most of the other companies now exploring in Australia, public relations are handled within the company, directed from the highest executive level._x000D_
The object of public relations in.the oil industry is. to create in the public mind an impression favourable to the industry as a whole and'the company -or group of companies with which the public relations officer is associated.