Woodside Energy's sponsorship of the Fremantle Dockers has sparked a fresh wave of protest as Labor MP Josh Wilson covers up the gas company's logo on his jumper ahead of the AFL grand final. The assistant minister for climate change and energy was photographed wearing a Fremantle guernsey with red tape obscuring the Woodside logo, joining a growing movement against fossil fuel advertising in sports.
The image, published by The Australian on Tuesday, shows Wilson aligning with the Get Off My Chest campaign, which opposes Woodside's sponsorship of the Dockers. The campaign has gained traction with high-profile supporters like Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker, who similarly covered the logo on a Fremantle t-shirt during a recent performance in Colorado.
Political Figures Join Anti-Woodside Protest
Wilson, the Albanese government's assistant minister for climate change and energy, told Guardian Australia that the photo was taken from a family member's social media account. He emphasized his support for the Dockers while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest. "I'll be in Fremantle for the grand final and I'm looking forward to sharing the nerves and cheers in a sea of purple," he said. "This week is all about the opportunity to see the Dockers compete on the last Saturday in September, but it's great that Australia is a place where people have the freedom to express their view and values through a range of creative and peaceful campaigns."
The Get Off My Chest campaign argues that fossil fuel companies should not be allowed to use sports to enhance their public image, especially as climate concerns intensify. Woodside Energy, Australia's largest oil and gas company, has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact and contribution to carbon emissions.
Woodside Sponsorship Under Fire
Woodside's sponsorship of the Fremantle Dockers is part of a broader trend of fossil fuel companies investing in sports to build goodwill. However, critics argue that such sponsorships amount to greenwashing, allowing companies to present themselves as community-focused while continuing environmentally damaging practices.
The campaign has gained momentum as the Dockers prepare for their first AFL premiership in years. Fans and activists alike are using the grand final spotlight to amplify their message. The protest is not just about a logo but about the ethical implications of associating sports with industries that contribute significantly to climate change.
Key Takeaways from the Woodside Logo Protest
- Labor MP Josh Wilson covered the Woodside logo on his Fremantle jumper, joining the Get Off My Chest campaign.
- The campaign opposes fossil fuel sponsorship in sports, citing greenwashing concerns.
- High-profile supporters include Tame Impala's Kevin Parker, who covered the logo on a t-shirt.
- The protest coincides with the AFL grand final, drawing national attention.
- Woodside Energy faces growing scrutiny over its environmental impact.
Comparing Fossil Fuel Sponsorships in Australian Sports
Woodside's sponsorship of the Fremantle Dockers is not an isolated case. Other Australian sports teams have similar deals with fossil fuel companies, prompting debates about the role of such industries in public life. The table below compares major fossil fuel sponsorships in Australian sports.
| Sports Team | Fossil Fuel Sponsor | Campaign Against |
|---|---|---|
| Fremantle Dockers | Woodside Energy | Get Off My Chest |
| Australian Cricket Team | Alinta Energy | Various climate groups |
| Collingwood Football Club | None currently | N/A |
| Sydney Swans | QBE (insurance, not fossil fuel) | N/A |
While some teams have severed ties with fossil fuel sponsors, others continue to benefit from lucrative deals. The Get Off My Chest campaign hopes to pressure more organizations to reconsider such partnerships.
FAQ
What is the Get Off My Chest campaign?
Get Off My Chest is a campaign opposing Woodside Energy's sponsorship of the Fremantle Dockers, arguing that fossil fuel companies should not use sports to improve their public image.
Why did Josh Wilson cover the Woodside logo?
Wilson covered the logo to show support for the campaign against fossil fuel sponsorship, aligning with his role as assistant minister for climate change and energy.
How has Woodside responded to the campaign?
Woodside has not issued a specific response to the logo cover-up, but the company has previously defended its sponsorships as part of community engagement.
The protest comes at a critical time for the Dockers, who are vying for their first AFL premiership. While the team focuses on the game, the controversy surrounding Woodside's sponsorship continues to spark debate about the intersection of sports, politics, and environmental responsibility.
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