Lead

Fossil fuel companies are spending tens of millions of dollars on educational programs and sponsorships targeted at children, according to a report by climate advocacy group Comms Declare. The report documents more than 260 teaching programs, children's sport club sponsorships, and partnerships with educational institutions funded by Santos, Shell, Chevron, BHP, and other mining companies.

Researchers found that more than $50 million had been spent by mining companies on just six of those programs, suggesting the total investment across schools and youth institutions is significantly higher.

Coverage Comparison

The findings have prompted political reaction, with the Greens and Senator David Pocock backing calls for a parliamentary inquiry into what they describe as the "petro-grooming" of children. The Resources Minister, Madeleine King, has defended industry sponsorships of grassroots and elite sports, saying it was fortunate that so many companies were prepared to support clubs.

Both ABC Australia and The Guardian reported on the investigation, highlighting the scale of industry presence in children's settings. While ABC focused on the breadth of programs and the lack of oversight, The Guardian emphasized the political push for an inquiry and included specific examples of sponsored educational materials.

Key Claims

  • Coal, oil, and gas companies are spending tens of millions of dollars on programs in childhood settings, as reported by ABC Australia.
  • Over 260 teaching programs, children's sport club sponsorships, and partnerships with educational institutions have been funded by mining companies, according to the Comms Declare report cited by both outlets.
  • More than $50 million has been spent by mining companies in just six of those programs, a figure reported by ABC Australia from the researchers' findings.
  • Some programs have helped drive jobs for young people and prop up community organisations struggling for funding, as ABC Australia noted, adding that governments expect the profitable sector to reinvest in communities.
  • There are no dedicated oversight mechanisms for industry partnerships in childhood settings, with few disclosure requirements for school sponsorship arrangements, according to the report.
  • The Greens and David Pocock have backed calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged "petro-grooming" of children, as reported by The Guardian.
  • Fossil fuel companies are accused of using programs and sponsorships to build social licence, a claim detailed in the report and reported by both outlets.
  • The Resources Minister, Madeleine King, has defended industry sponsorships of grassroots and elite sports, saying it was fortunate companies were prepared to support clubs, as reported by The Guardian.

Perspectives

Comms Declare (climate advocacy group): The group released the report and is using it to push for a Senate inquiry and a national ban on advertising and sponsorships from coal, oil, and gas companies. A representative said the companies are "profiteering [and] polluting, while simultaneously petro-grooming our kids."

Government (Resources Minister Madeleine King): The minister defended industry sponsorships of grassroots and elite sports, arguing it was fortunate that companies were prepared to support clubs and communities.

Political figures (Greens and Senator David Pocock): Both have backed calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged "petro-grooming" of children, aligning with the report's concerns about the industry's influence.