Friends in high places: fossil fuel political donations

February 2019 Every year, Australian governments and their departments spend billions of dollars of your money to help more coal, gas and oil to be extracted and burned. Favourable decisions include: tax-based subsidies direct contributions concessional loans from public financial institutions lax environmental laws and approvals for disastrous projects. Meanwhile, … Read More

Media release: Response to Origin greenhouse gas reduction target

14 December 2017 Response to Origin Eraring coal-fired power plant closure announcement – Market Forces “While the headlines seem laudable, Origin is doing no more than closing Eraring on its 50-year use-by date.” “In fact given that Eraring makes up approximately 70% of Origin’s overall emissions, the company is committing to … Read More

Investors support stronger climate risk disclosure at Origin Energy AGM

18 October 2017 A shareholder resolution coordinated by Market Forces, calling for improvements to Origin Energy’s climate risk disclosure received significant support from institutional investors, garnering 13.77% of shareholder votes, despite the board’s opposition. In dollar terms, investors holding approximately $1.8 billion in stock supported the call for greater climate … Read More

Putting climate and human rights centre stage

Around Australia, shareholders are acting to make companies take climate change and human rights seriously. Super fund members like you can help their cause by telling your fund to vote your retirement savings in favour of resolutions that protect people and planet. Having coordinated support from more than 100 shareholders … Read More

Media release: Origin Energy faces three shareholder resolutions

23 August 2017 Coordinated by environmental finance group Market Forces, shareholders in Origin Energy have filed a series of resolutions with the oil and gas major. View ASX announcement. The three resolutions, to be heard at Origin’s October AGM, call for greater disclosure of climate risks, the development of a … Read More

Origin Energy: the greenwash is strong in this one

19 October 2016 Origin Energy, one of the top three dirtiest power companies in Australia, held its annual general meeting today. The board dodged and weaved questions on fracking, fugitive emissions and 2C commitments, while hiding behind their measly renewable energy that currently makes up less than 5% of its electricity generation. … Read More

How renewable are the “Big Three” energy retailers?

Originally posted 31 March 2015. Figures correct at 30 June, 2016 AGL, Origin Energy and Energy Australia are known as the “big three” electricity companies, dominating the Australian energy retailing industry. While all three claim to be supporters of renewable energy, AGL, Origin and Energy Australia all still rely heavily on … Read More