Misinformation and “astroturfing” are fueling division in Australia’s energy and climate debates.
Children have been intimidated and families ostracised in communities splitting over renewable projects.
Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner Tony Mahar described the bullying and harassment as “saddening” and “troubling” at a parliamentary hearing.
Mahar hears regular community concerns about fire risks, compensation, and trust in energy projects, often worsened by misinformation.
Stories of children being intimidated at school and families shunned for their views were shared during the hearings.
The hearings continue, with experts from the Union of Concerned Scientists and Brown University set to provide evidence on misinformation networks.
Professor Daniel Angus said “astroturfing” – fake grassroots campaigns linked to political or lobby groups – is common in energy debates.
Analysis of 580 political ads in the 2025 federal election showed climate and energy were prime targets for deceptive third-party advertising.
Groups like “Mums for Nuclear” and “Energy for Australians” were used to create a false grassroots image and influence public opinion.
Astroturfing aims to delay or confuse climate action, particularly around renewable energy uptake, and is dominated by conservative-leaning interests.