Greenwashing

Committee: Environment and Communications References Committee
Date referred: 31 July 2025
Submissions close: 12 September 2025
Reporting date: 25 June 2026

On 31 July 2025, the Senate agreed that the inquiry into greenwashing be re-adopted in the 48th Parliament for inquiry and report.

All correspondence and evidence previously received for this inquiry as part of the 47th Parliament has been made available to the committee. This means that submissions already provided to the committee do not need to be re-submitted. The committee has the power to refer to the evidence received during the 47th Parliament.

The committee welcomes submissions on any matters relevant to the terms of reference. The committee is also seeking views on the role of corporate sponsorship and advertising by fossil fuel companies and their commercial arrangements with media organisations.

Terms of Reference

That the following matter be re-referred to the Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2026:

Greenwashing, with particular reference to:

  1. the environmental and sustainability claims made by companies in industries including energy, vehicles, household products and appliances, food and drink packaging, cosmetics, clothing and footwear;
  2. the impact of misleading environmental and sustainability claims on consumers;
  3. domestic and international examples of regulating companies’ environmental and sustainability claims;
  4. advertising standards in relation to environmental and sustainability claims;
  5. legislative options to protect consumers from greenwashing in Australia; and
  6. any other related matters.

That the committee have the power to consider and use the records of the Environment and Communications References Committee appointed in the previous parliament.

Committee Secretariat contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Environment and Communications
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: +61 2 6277 3526
ec.sen@aph.gov.au

Inquiry Status

Accepting Submissions

How to make a submission

The committee invites individuals and organisations to send in their opinions and proposals in writing (submissions)

Accessibility

We are committed to ensuring that everyone who wishes to can participate in the Committee’s inquiry. If you have accessibility requirements, please contact the Committee Secretariat.

Further information regarding accessibility can be found at www.aph.gov.au/Help/Accessibility