The report makes clear that Western Australia has more fossil-fuel funded programs targeting children than any other state in the country, and there is little to no transparency or regulation about the content in these programs.

CCWA Executive Director Matt Roberts said this includes sponsorship arrangements, educational partnerships and community programs that operate under very little scrutiny, with Woodside at the forefront.

“When it comes to tapping into children and families to paint itself as a good corporate citizen, Woodside has its fossil fuel fingers in in all the pies, across everything from junior surf lifesaving and the AFL, to the WA Museum and education programs,” Mr Roberts said.

“We know Woodside spends a lot of money trying to buy its relevance to WA culture, things we love and institutions we rely on for integrity and education.

“It again begs the question about the ability of our trusted education institutions - like the WA Museum - to deliver unfiltered information about climate change, its causes, impacts and solutions.

“We've seen Woodside running programs for children to learn about WA's precious marine biodiversity, while planning to drill up to 57 wells at Scott Reef for the Browse gas export project, which would directly contribute to widespread coral bleaching.

“While Woodside launders its reputation in schools and sports clubs, the company is trying its hardest to push the Browse gas export proposal over the line — a destructive project that would cost Western Australians far more than it would contribute and cause climate chaos that will impact younger generations the most.

“We need transparency over these unacceptable examples of greenwashing and for our trusted educational and sporting bodies to be better funded, rather than having to go cap in hand to fossil fuel companies at the expense of integrity.

“CCWA supports the report's recommendations for a Parliamentary Inquiry into fossil fuel industry engagement in child-centred settings, and to establish restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship involving children.”

Clare Lagan, Fremantle Dockers fan and founder of the Get off My Chest campaign to end Woodside's sponsorship of her team, said the report reveals “how extensively the fossil fuel industry is targeting children through sponsorships of sports clubs and other cultural and educational institutions”.

“Right now, the Fremantle Dockers Board is enabling Woodside’s actions,” Ms Lagan said.  

“I hope the Board sees how preyed upon they are by Woodside, and how irresponsible it is to let children be intentionally targeted by its programs for kids run through the club. They’re signing off on a company that is actively putting these kids’ futures at risk.

“We’re on top of the ladder and playing the best footy we’ve ever played. There has never been a better time to lock in a replacement sponsor who actually represents our club’s values and isn’t a constant reputational risk.”

Read the full report and sign the petition here.

ENDS

Media contact: John Cooke - 0433 679 780