Australian-first investigation reveals fossil fuel industry reaching potentially millions of Australian children, through 260+ programs across every stage of childhood.
Major coal, oil and gas companies are reaching Australian children through schools, museums, science centres, sporting clubs, early learning programs, scholarships and career pathways, according to a landmark new report released today by climate communications charity Comms Declare.
The report, From Cradle to Career: Fossil Fuel Industry Presence in Australian Childhood Settings is the first national investigation into the scale of fossil fuel industry engagement with children and young people in Australia.
Researchers identified 260 publicly documented programs and sponsorships run or funded by fossil fuel companies and industry bodies that reached children aged 0 to 18 in recent years. One fossil fuel industry-linked education provider, Teacher Earth Science Education Programme Ltd (TESEP), projected its activities could reach more than two million Australian students over five years.
The investigation also identified more than $54 million in disclosed funding across just 6 of those programs. Funding figures were located for only a fraction of the programs examined, suggesting the true amount spent is likely substantially higher.
Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble said some of the programs involve science and climate change education. “Big coal, oil and gas companies are helping drive climate change, yet simultaneously funding educational programs that shape how young Australians understand energy, resources and climate issues.”
“Oil and gas companies sponsoring climate education is like a tobacco company giving cancer advice.”
“We need to ensure children receive accurate, independent education, free from corporate influence,” added Noble.
PureProfile polling commissioned by Comms Declare in April found that 87 per cent of parents and grandparents believe educational programs should be funded by governments, rather than fossil fuel corporations, and 58 per cent support fossil fuel advertising bans.
The report also identifies significant governance and transparency gaps, with little public visibility over how sponsorship arrangements, educational materials and industry partnerships operate in practice.
“Six years ago an ASIC investigation forced banking programs, like Dollarmites, out of schools. Now big polluters are using the same loopholes to reach children, proving we need to find different ways to fund children’s programs once and for all,” added Noble.
Comms Declare is calling for a Senate Inquiry into the scale, nature and impact of fossil fuel industry engagement with children and young people, alongside renewed calls for a national ban on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships. The organisation says an inquiry could examine the current agreements and arrangements, identify options for strengthening governance, transparency and accountability, and possible pathways for alternative funding.
The Australian Capital Territory banned fossil fuel sponsorships in its schools in early 2026 and more than 60 jurisdictions globally have voted for, or enacted, restrictions on fossil fuel marketing.
Programs by company
Santos 71
BHP 49
Woodside 47
Glencore 30
Chevron 22
Shell 17
Multi-company, industry body, other
Instances of program presence by jurisdiction
National 119
Western Australia 120
Queensland 105
New South Wales 75
Tasmania 47
South Australia 46
Northern Territory 26
Victoria 7
The tables show the more than 260 programs, partnerships, sponsorships and initiatives identified through this investigation. Many of these activities span multiple states and
territories, demonstrating the national reach of fossil fuel industry engagement with children, families and educational institutions. Programs are listed in every jurisdiction where they
operate, meaning state and territory totals cannot be combined into a national total.