The Queensland Museum has come under public pressure following revelations of its partnership with Shell QGC, a fossil fuel company with operations that are directly impacting the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait cultural heritage. Green MP Michael Berkman criticized the museum for essentially running a marketing campaign for a company responsible for environmental damage.
Former CEO Jim Thompson defended the sponsorship, stating that it was designed to promote critical thinking and engagement with natural history without influencing scientific content. He highlighted the museum’s reliance on corporate sponsorship to supplement state government funding.
However, in December, Thompson retired, and Renai Grace took over as CEO. Protestors voiced their concerns over the sponsorship, prompting Grace to promise a review of materials and the establishment of independent reviewers. The museum has already removed some learning materials from its website in response to the backlash.
Comms Declare raised the possibility that the partnership may breach the Queensland Museum Act, which mandates the communication of the state’s natural heritage with “leadership and excellence.” Legal analysis from the Environmental Defenders Office suggested that the partnership contradicts the museum’s objectives due to Shell QGC’s impact on climate change and sea level rise.
The Greens called on Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek to intervene and end the partnership. Despite receiving legal advice confirming the potential breach, Langbroek dismissed the concerns as a “specious line.”
The museum reported that the Shell QGC-sponsored materials had significant reach, with over 400,000 downloads, 1,700 teachers undergoing professional development, and 10,000 students participating in events. This partnership reflects a broader pattern of fossil fuel companies using cultural sponsorships to influence public perception while lobbying against climate policies.
In response to inquiries, a Shell spokesperson emphasized their support for the museum’s Future Makers program, which promotes STEM education for students. They clarified that the company has no role in developing or approving the museum’s materials.
Authors Ellen Ormesher and Catherine Early have covered the story, shedding light on the intersection of climate, culture, and industry. Ormesher’s work has been featured in publications like The Guardian, while Early serves as the chief reporter for The Ecologist and a freelance environmental journalist.
The controversy surrounding the Queensland Museum’s partnership with Shell QGC underscores the complex dynamics between corporate sponsorship, environmental responsibility, and cultural heritage preservation. As the museum navigates these challenges, stakeholders continue to advocate for transparency, accountability, and a reevaluation of their partnerships to uphold their mission of communicating Queensland’s natural heritage with integrity and excellence.
