Health professionals and organisations in Australia are demanding a ban on fossil fuel advertising from all levels of government, saying the industry should not be allowed to continue spending more than $200 million per year .
The Fossil Ad Ban campaign, initiated by Comms Declare, aims to highlight the hypocrisy of the fossil fuel industry being allowed to market themselves unrestricted across airways, billboards and digital platforms
The campaign is supported by health organisations including the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association, Australasian Epidemiological Association, Australian Federation of Medical Women, Medical Scientists Association of Victoria and Doctors for the Environment Australia.
In March, Yarra City became the first Council in Australia to move to restrict the promotion of fossil fuels on council-run property.
A letter signed by 195 health professionals, including surgeons, GPs, nurses, and professors of public health from Australia’s major universities, was sent to the prime minister and every mayor in Australia today calling on other cities and councils, as well as the state and federal governments, to ban fossil fuel advertising to protect the lives of all Australians.
Comms Declare founder Belinda Noble said: “Australia was a world leader in restricting tobacco advertising for the public good, and we can stop the promotion of high emission products for the same reason. There is already global action underway with restrictions imposed in France.
Comms Declare estimates a $238.3 million spend by Ampol, AGL, Origin, Santos and Energy Australia. This ncludes marketing, sponsorships and grants and donations.
“Fossil fuel advertisements and sponsorships mislead consumers about dangerous and toxic products and grants corporations disproportionate influence over governments and community debate," says Noble.
"The latest IPCC report confirmed that marketing and lobbying by coal, oil and gas corporations is delaying emissions reduction and has set the agenda in Australia.
"Curbing this propaganda is essential if we are to rapidly move to cleaner energy and a healthier, safer future for all Australians."
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