There’s progress in the push to protect children from coal, oil and gas propaganda in Victorian public schools.
Education Minister Ben Carroll has confirmed that the Department of Education will review its sponsorship and advertising policies to ensure they “consider climate change where relevant.”
The move follows a question in Parliament from Greens MP Tim Read, who called for fossil fuel advertising, marketing and sponsorships to be added to the list of banned partnerships in Victorian public schools, alongside tobacco, gambling, alcohol, firearms, junk food, religious organisations and political parties.
Currently, fossil fuel companies remain free to promote themselves through school programs, competitions and so-called “STEM partnerships.” Examples include:
- Ampol sponsoring a school competition with $1,000 petrol gift cards for winners.
- BP marketing to children through Minecraft-based STEM learning
- Coal and gas lobby groups distributing “educational” materials promoting the furphy of “renewable gas”
While a formal ban hasn’t yet been announced, the Department’s agreement to review its policies with climate impacts in mind marks a promising first step.
Alongside parents, teachers and our members across Australia, we’ll keep working to ensure Victoria’s schools are free from fossil fuel advertising, marketing and sponsorships. Because children deserve to learn in environments that reflect a safe, sustainable future.
Join the push for climate-safe schools: Email Victoria’s Education Minister Ben Carroll and ask for a ban on fossil fuel advertising, marketing and sponsorships in schools.