Key facts
- A report by Comms Declare identified over 260 fossil fuel industry-backed programs and sponsorships targeting children and teenagers.
- These initiatives span early childhood centers, schools, sporting clubs, museums, and career pathway programs.
- The Greens and Senator David Pocock are backing calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the fossil fuel sector's engagement with minors.
- Resources Minister Madeleine King defended industry sponsorships of sports clubs, citing their importance for community sports.
- The Minerals Council of Australia highlighted the sector's support for educational programs about energy and mining job opportunities.
Calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the fossil fuel industry's presence in schools and sports clubs have gained traction, with the Greens and Senator David Pocock supporting the push. A report by climate advocacy group Comms Declare identified at least 260 industry-backed programs and sponsorships reaching children and teenagers, from early childhood centers to sporting clubs and museums.
Examples cited in the report include an educational program at the Queensland Museum sponsored by Shell, and a STEM program for eight and nine-year-olds that encouraged building models of offshore drilling activities. Comms Declare argues that such materials often downplay corporate responsibility for fossil fuel production while emphasizing individual actions to reduce emissions. The organization is advocating for a national ban on advertising and sponsorships from coal, oil, and gas companies.
Greens spokesperson Steph Hodgins-May accused fossil fuel companies of using these programs to "build social licence" and stated they have "no place" in educational or cultural institutions. Senator Pocock echoed these sentiments. However, Resources Minister Madeleine King defended industry sponsorships of grassroots and elite sports, emphasizing their crucial role in keeping clubs afloat, particularly in regional areas.
Tania Constable, CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, stated that the sector is proud to support programs that raise awareness about energy's role and promote job opportunities in mining, encouraging "open and inquiring minds" essential for Australia's future.