Fremantle Dockers slammed for signing new sponsorship deal with Woodside Energy

A prominent climate scientist says he is “shocked and dismayed” after the Fremantle Dockers signed a new multi-million dollar sponsorship deal with Woodside Energy.

Bill Hare, who was among high-profile supporters who urged the club to cut ties with the mining giant a year ago, expressed his disappointment over the AFL club’s decision to re-sign with the gas giant for another two seasons.

“This year, we’ve seen such an awful array of really extreme climate events, really extreme heat, massive wildfires, extreme flooding,” Dr Hare said.

“I would have thought the club would see it’s way to getting out of fossil fuels sponsorship because of that.”

He believed the decision would upset the club’s younger supporters.

“A lot of young supporters are really concerned about climate change. That’s something that the club doesn’t seem to have seriously taken into account,” he said.

“It sends a message in ongoing support of one of the largest fossil fuel companies on the planet.”

Gas giants ‘buying social license’

ACT Senator and former Wallabies forward David Pocock criticised the decision on X, formerly Twitter.

“Fossil fuel companies, like Woodside and Santos, are expanding their operations, with no credible plans to decarbonise, while buying social licence by sponsoring sport,” he wrote.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt described the deal as a “disappointing free kick to the fossil fuel industry”.

“Woodside will try anything to distract from the fact they’re opening up new gas in the middle of a climate crisis, but people are not falling for it,” he said.

Climate concerns considered: Dockers

Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick defended the club’s decision, saying climate change concerns were taken into account.

“We clearly understand and acknowledge that climate change and sustainability is a key and complex social issue for our members, our supporters, our players, staff and the broader community,” he told ABC Radio Perth.

“With that in mind, and Woodside’s key role in the transition to new and more renewable energy sources being at the forefront of our mind, it was a significant consideration and something we worked through over what in reality, was a 12 to 18 month period.”

Mr Garlic said the deal was done in an environment where it was difficult to find and maintain businesses capable of supporting clubs of this scale.

“We are incredibly lucky and grateful… to have a partner like Woodside, who has been with us for 14 years… through thick and thin… in an extremely tough and competitive industry, here is an important and really important partnership,” he said.

While he declined to answer whether there are other sponsorship options at the same financial level as Woodside, he said the club is regularly in contact with other organizations about partnership opportunities.

“Institutions with this level of capacity are rare and our priority, as always, is to find ways to prioritize discussions with our historic [funders], especially those has been so loyal and important to us for such a long time. time.” Garlic said Woodside is making “significant commitments” to tackling climate change and the club will continue to support its initiatives.

“It is clear that they provide an extremely important resource, essential to the livelihoods of millions of people in many countries…this asset is needed as alternative sources of supply to energy sources,” he stated. renewable, cost-effective and safety established.” .

“We know it will take some time, but we look forward to working with them.”

The fossil fuel industry sponsors sports
The Dockers are not the only major sporting organization or event that relies on sponsorship from the fossil fuel industry.

What’s going on between Netball Australia and Hancock Prospecting, Gina Rinehart’s mining company?
Netball Australia has made headlines with its sponsorship saga with Gina Rinehart’s mining company Hancock Prospecting. How did we get here?

The netball team celebrates, Gina Rhinehart wears a red hat and smiles at the camera
Find out more
Petroleum company Santos sponsors the annual Tour Down Under cycling race in South Australia, while Fortescue is a major partner of the Western Force rugby team.

BHP, Caltex (owned by Chevron) and Minerals sponsor the West Coast Eagles.

Earlier this year, Cricket Australia and Alinta Energy ended their sponsorship deal, following captain Pat Cummins’ decision to abandon advertising for the company.

Hancock Prospecting has withdrawn $15 million in sponsorship from Netball Australia following a player backlash against the sponsor. Collaboration to serve the community:
Wooden surface
Woodside chief executive Meg O’Neill said the partnership with Fremantle continued to deliver valuable benefits to the community.

“As a proud Western Australia-based company, we are excited to continue our longstanding partnership with the Fremantle Football Club,” she said.

She said Woodside worked with the club to deliver reconciliation and educational outreach opportunities, which were vital for creating pathways for young people.

“Our renewed partnership with the Dockers will make a genuine difference to communities in Western Australia,” she said.

“As we move forward in the energy transition, partnerships with organisations such as the Dockers who prioritise sustainable outcomes will be critical.

“We are proud to work with the Dockers as we all focus on a lower carbon, equitable and sustainable energy future.”

About The Author

admin

See author's posts