Woodside’s economic contribution is two-fold. Firstly, it’s about delivering superior, sustainable returns to our shareholders.
Secondly, it’s about delivering broad societal benefits by employing people, paying wages, investing in the skills of our people, paying taxes to governments, purchasing goods and services through our supply chain and producing products that satisfy the needs of our customers.
In 2010 Woodside’s total expenditure was approximately US$4.5 billion. Of this amount, about 83% was spent in Australia on materials, goods and services purchased; employee payroll and training; and capital and exploration expenditure.
In addition we paid more than US$1.1 billion in royalties, excise and taxes to governments, most of which was paid to the Australian Government.
Dividends to the value of approximately US$547 million were paid to shareholders in 2010. Information about our 2010 financial performance is available in our 2010 Annual Report.