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Charity's Submissions Cite Fake Authorities, Nonexistent Windfarms
17 Oct
Summary
- Conservation charity made submissions citing non-existent government agencies and windfarm
- Experts say charity's claims about their work were "100% misleading" and "absurd"
- Charity admits using AI to write over 100 submissions to councils and governments
In October 2025, a Guardian Australia investigation has found that a conservation charity known for its anti-renewables stance, Rainforest Reserves Australia (RRA), has made submissions to federal and state inquiries that name non-existent government authorities and a nonexistent windfarm. The charity has also cited scientific articles that the supposed publishers say don't exist.
Two US-based academics whose work was referenced by RRA have stated that the charity's claims about their research were "100% misleading" and "absurd." RRA's submission writer has admitted using AI to help write more than 100 submissions to councils and state and federal governments since August 2024, and to also using AI to answer questions from the Guardian.
RRA has become a vocal opponent of renewable energy and is a popular voice among conservatives and right-wing media. The charity's analysis and open letter criticizing the Australian government's focus on renewable energy have been celebrated by some notable Australians. However, the Guardian investigation has found that RRA's submissions contain fabrications that undermine the evidence base relied upon by decision-makers and communities.
The charity's use of AI-generated content, along with its citation of non-existent sources, has raised concerns about the integrity of the information being presented to policymakers and the public. Experts have warned that this type of misinformation can "poison the well" for legitimate environmental concerns and undermine public trust in the renewable energy transition.
