Arabic version: برامج مدعومة من الوقود الأحفوري تصل إلى المدارس الأسترالية
According to ABC News, fossil fuel companies sponsor hundreds of education programs and teaching resources used by Australian children, prompting calls for closer scrutiny of corporate influence in schools. A Comms Declare investigation identified at least 260 programs sponsored by fossil fuel companies.
Former Busselton Senior High School teacher Alison Holt said an Energy Club WA program disrupted her science timetable after three hours were taken from curriculum time. The organisation, formerly called The Petroleum Club of WA, runs the Next Generation Energy Program, which offers lessons on energy literacy and careers. Woodside Energy and Exxon Mobil are listed among its sponsors.
Holt said students were invited to “drill for oil” through layers of bread, chocolate spread and sprinkles using plastic straws. She also raised concerns about presentations describing gas as an answer in the transition to renewable energy. Energy Club WA general manager Kate McCarthy said participating schools review the content, classroom teachers are present, and sponsors do not contribute to the committee that develops or reviews program content.
Comms Declare said BHP, Chevron, Woodside, Glencore and Shell had disclosed close to $55 million across six programs and partnerships. Its report cited Shell QGC-sponsored Queensland Museum material inviting participants to design a carbon capture and storage solution, and a Victorian teacher resource on “greening coal”. Queensland Museum said some Shell QGC-branded professional development materials had been retired.
Education organisations defended their materials. TESEP chair Jill Stevens said its content was scientifically accurate and not influenced by partners, while AusEarthEd CEO Joanne Watkins said partnerships had no influence over student resources. In June 2026, Greens senator Steph Hodgins-May moved unsuccessfully for a Senate inquiry into the issue. Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble said the parliamentary debate was a step towards greater scrutiny.
