The Greens and independent senator David Pocock have backed calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the fossil fuel industry's influence on children, following a report that reveals extensive industry presence in schools, sports clubs, and educational institutions. The report, from climate advocacy group Comms Declare, identifies at least 260 industry-backed programs or sponsorships targeting children and teenagers, ranging from early childhood centres to museums and career pathways.
Report Details Industry Reach
Examples include an education program at the Queensland Museum, sponsored by Shell and its subsidiary Queensland Gas Company, which produced learning materials for young students and free professional development courses for teachers. Another case involved a school's STEM program sponsored by a major fossil fuel company, where pupils aged eight and nine built models of offshore drilling using bread, Vegemite, and sprinkles. The report criticises such materials for emphasising personal actions to reduce emissions while downplaying the role of major corporations in producing and selling fossil fuels.
Political Reactions
Greens resources spokesperson Steph Hodgins-May accused fossil fuel companies of using sponsorships to 'build social licence'. 'Get your dirty hands off our kids, that is our message to the fossil fuel industry, who have no place in early-learning centres, in schools, or in our cultural institutions in this country,' she said. 'Children should go to school to get evidence-based education, not to be brainwashed by fossil fuel corporations seeking to build social licence.'
Senator David Pocock echoed these sentiments, supporting the call for a Senate inquiry. Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble stated at a press conference: 'The coal oil and gas companies are profiteering and polluting, while simultaneously petro-grooming our kids. We believe our children deserve to play and learn in environments that are free from conflicted commercial influence.'
Government and Industry Response
Resources minister Madeleine King defended industry sponsorships of sporting clubs, saying they often make the difference for clubs staying afloat, especially in country areas. 'We are very fortunate to have so many resource companies in a position to sponsor Australian sport and under this government we want that to remain the case,' she said in a statement.
The Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable said the sector was proud to support programs that build awareness about energy's role and job opportunities in mining. 'Teaching more students about earth sciences and encouraging open and inquiring minds is essential to Australia's future,' she said.
Next Steps
The Greens will push to establish the proposed Senate inquiry before the federal parliament rises for a five-week winter break. The inquiry would examine the 'scale, nature and impact of fossil fuel engagement' with children and renew calls for a national ban on advertising and sponsorships from coal, oil, and gas companies.
