Labor MP covers up Woodside logo on Fremantle jumper ahead of AFL grand final

Josh Wilson, federal assistant minister for climate change and energy, joins peaceful campaign against fossil fuel company

Labor frontbencher Josh Wilson has become the latest public figure to cover up gas giant Woodside Energy’s logo on his Fremantle Dockers jumper, as the team chases its first ever AFL premiership this weekend.

A photograph of Wilson – the Albanese government’s assistant minister for climate change and energy – wearing a Fremantle guernsey with red tape covering the logo of Australia’s biggest oil and gas company was published by The Australian on Tuesday.

Opponents of Woodside’s sponsorship of the Dockers have launched the Get Off My Chest campaign, supported by Tame Impala frontman Kevin Parker, who covered up the logo on a Fremantle t-shirt ahead of a performance in Colorado last week.

Wilson told Guardian Australia the picture was taken 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.”

Get Off My Chest campaigner Clare Lagan used spray paint to hide the Woodside logo on a mural of former Dockers players Michael Walters and Nat Fyfe outside the Fremantle Markets earlier this month.

Lagan said the campaign had provided supporters with hundreds of patches since launching in May. Other supporters include Australian novelist Tim Winton and the independent senator David Pocock.

“Woodside has long been one of Australia’s most controversial companies and one of sport’s most controversial sponsors,” she said.

“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.”