Josh Wilson, a Labor frontbencher, has recently become the latest public figure to obscure the logo of Woodside Energy on his Fremantle Dockers jumper as the team aims for its first AFL premiership this weekend.
A photograph showcasing Wilson, who serves as the Albanese government’s assistant minister for climate change and energy, wearing a Fremantle guernsey with red tape concealing the emblem of Australia’s largest oil and gas company, was published by The Australian on Tuesday.
Campaign Against Woodside Sponsorship
Opponents of Woodside’s sponsorship of the Dockers have initiated the Get Off My Chest campaign, which has gained support from Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker. Parker recently covered the logo on a Fremantle t-shirt prior to a performance in Colorado last week.
Wilson shared with Guardian Australia that the image originated from a family member’s social media account.
“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 for what we all hope is a triumphant Wharfie Time. “The photo in question is a family picture, and when I wear my Dockers gear I just want to show my support for Freo. “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.”
“Woodside has long been one of Australia’s most controversial companies and one of sport’s most controversial sponsors,”
Support for the Campaign
Clare Lagan, a campaigner for Get Off My Chest, used spray paint to obscure the Woodside logo on a mural depicting former Dockers players Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe outside the Fremantle Markets earlier this month. Lagan noted that the campaign has provided supporters with hundreds of patches since its launch in May. The initiative has also garnered backing from Australian novelist Tim Winton and independent senator David Pocock.
“We commend Kevin Parker and call on the Fremantle Football Club to end their partnership with Australia’s largest fossil fuel company.”
“The overwhelming public support for a gas export tax reflects the broad consensus that companies like Woodside are not paying their fair share for resources owned by the Australian people. “Kevin Parker’s statement is clear: this is not something Freo fans can support.”
“Australia’s biggest undeveloped offshore gas resource”
Woodside’s Response and Future Plans
Gerard Mazza, a spokesperson for the Conservation Council of WA, welcomed Parker’s action, linking it to the Browse to North West Shelf gas export project situated off the coast of Western Australia. Woodside refers to Browse as “WA is one of the world’s biggest producers of gas,”
“We have more than enough gas to get us through the energy transition and no need for destructive new projects like Browse.”
“We love our partnership of more than 15 years with the Fremantle Football Club and it’s great to see the success the club is having this year. “We’re looking forward to continuing our work together.”
A spokesperson for Woodside stated on Tuesday that the company takes pride in its sponsorship agreement with Fremantle, which is set to continue until at least the end of 2027.
“We love our partnership of more than 15 years with the Fremantle Football Club and it’s great to see the success the club is having this year. We’re looking forward to continuing our work together.”
This Saturday, Fremantle will compete against the Sydney Swans in the AFL grand final, seeking the club’s first premiership since its inaugural season in 1995, marking only their second appearance in a grand final.
