Monash University has confirmed it will end its partnership with Woodside Energy, following sustained protests from staff and students over the fossil fuel company's involvement with the institution. The current agreement, valued at $43 million over seven years, expires at the end of this year and will not be renewed.
Vice-chancellor Professor Sharon Pickering appeared before a Senate committee on Wednesday, stating that the decision aligns with the university's values and community expectations. She noted that future partnerships would be subject to environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments and a responsible partnering framework.
The partnership, in place since 2019, gave Woodside naming rights to the Woodside Building for Technology and Design on Monash's Clayton campus. The building will be renamed in 2026. The arrangement drew criticism, particularly after a Woodside-backed climate conference in Italy featured Coalition MP Tim Wilson.
Both Monash and Woodside described the decision as mutual and respectful. A Monash spokesperson said the faculty of engineering would continue exploring future collaborations with Woodside, in line with ESG policies. Woodside expressed interest in continuing research discussions.
Ben Eltham, president of the National Tertiary Education Union's Monash branch, called the partnership a 'dirty deal' and welcomed its end. Student activist Carina Griffin, who led the Stop Woodside Monash campaign, said the university had 'decided to finally listen to staff and students'.
