Coal and Gas Companies Have a Big Presence in Schools and Children's Sports

The topic is about the mining industry.

The report was published on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:03 am.

A report found over 260 programs in schools and children's sports that are supported by mining companies.

In short, mining companies are involved in many programs for children.

A new report found many programs in schools and children's sports that are sponsored by coal, oil, and gas companies.

The report shows that mining companies have a big presence in schools and children's sports.

What happens next is not clear.

Some senators want to look into whether companies should be allowed to sponsor education programs.

Coal, oil, and gas companies are spending a lot of money on programs for children to improve their image and influence.

Many teaching programs, sports club sponsorships, and partnerships with schools are funded by mining companies like Santos, Shell, and BHP.

Researchers found that mining companies spent over $50 million on just a few programs.

Some programs are just branding deals, while others are long-term partnerships or teaching training courses.

Many of these programs help create jobs for young people and support community organizations.

Governments expect mining companies to invest in the communities where they operate.

But there is no special oversight of these industry partnerships in schools.

Children may not realize that information from teachers or coaches can be influenced by companies.

Viewed together, these programs show a big presence of mining companies in children's lives.

Comms Declare found many partnerships between industry and schools.

Some lesson plans are provided by mining companies.

The report questions the quality of education in some of these programs.

Some educational programs do not fully explain the role of fossil fuels in climate change.

Comms Declare pointed to Woodside-supported teaching materials as an example.

A Woodside resource guides children to think about their own carbon footprint without mentioning the main cause of greenhouse gas emissions.

Woodside's program has reached many children and provided training for teachers.

Woodside said it does not control the content of the programs it funds.

Comms Declare says many programs provide valuable services to communities in need.

A program in Queensland, supported by the Queensland Resources Council, provides educational materials for schools.

The program has many users and its workshops align with the Australian curriculum.

However, some materials have not been updated since 2010.

The program's materials sometimes present a biased view of energy sources.

Coal is presented as a reliable source of electricity, but also as a source of air pollutants.

An infographic on wind turbines emphasizes the role of coal in renewables production.

The Queensland Resources Council says its academy is a successful partnership with the state government.

Students at schools partnered with the academy are more likely to pursue careers in mining or engineering.

A previous report found a program that encouraged students to design carbon capture technology, which was later removed.

There is a demand for a senate inquiry into the issue.

Greens spokesperson Steph Hodgins-May said companies are spending money to exert influence.

Senator Hodgins-May is concerned about the lack of oversight and the potential for companies to shape children's education.

The senator thinks the government should be blamed for not regulating these partnerships.

Senator Hodgins-May will advocate for a senate inquiry into the issue.

Comms Declare says many sponsorship arrangements provide genuine services to communities.

But the researchers question whether existing transparency mechanisms are sufficient.

A review of school banking programs found that young children are vulnerable to marketing tactics.

Some banking programs were removed from schools after the review.

Independent senator David Pocock said companies with vested interests should not be trusted to provide education.

Senator Pocock compared the situation to tobacco companies teaching about health.

Senator Pocock thinks schools should be funded to provide education without relying on industry partnerships.

The senator said companies engage in education to shape what young people learn about the gas industry.

Schools should be properly funded to provide education without industry influence.

The report was published on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:03 am.

See more ABC coverage.

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