Comms Declare expressed disappointment today that the ACT Government has declined to include restrictions on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in its new Climate Change Strategy, despite the Legislative Assembly formally asking it to consider the measure earlier this year.
In its response to the Assembly, the Government acknowledges that it already restricts fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship in some settings, including public schools and Transport Canberra assets, but says broader restrictions are “not reflected in the new Strategy”.
Comms Declare Founder Belinda Noble said:
“The ACT Government already accepts the principle that fossil fuel advertising doesn’t belong on some public assets. It makes little sense to apply that standard to buses and schools, while continuing to allow fossil fuel companies to use other public spaces and sponsorships to promote their brands.
“The ACT has positioned itself as a climate leader. Its public communications and community spaces should reflect those commitments.”
The Government did leave the door open to future restrictions by saying “should evidence and policy developments warrant further consideration, the government may in
future wish to explore approaches to align public communications with the Territory’s climate goals.”
Comms Declare is calling on the Government to reconsider a consistent policy restricting fossil fuel advertising and sponsorship across ACT Government-controlled assets, venues and events.