Australia lags behind global fossil fuel ad bans: why politicians are stalling on climate policy

Governments around the world are banning fossil fuel advertising to combat climate change, but Australia has yet to follow suit. Cities like Amsterdam, Florence, and Stockholm have restricted ads for oil, gas, SUVs, and even high-carbon meat products. France became the first country to implement a nationwide ban on fossil fuel ads in 2023. These policies aim to reduce the normalisation of planet-heating products in public spaces. In Australia, fossil fuel companies still sponsor schools, sports clubs, and museums, targeting children and adults alike. The automotive industry has shifted advertising toward larger SUVs and utes, cancelling out emissions reductions from electric vehicles. Local councils like the City of Sydney have taken some steps, but state and federal governments have not introduced broader bans. Critics argue that allowing polluters to dominate public discourse undermines climate goals and delays collective action on decarbonisation.