Chants of “What do we want? Climate justice! When do we want it? Now!” rang out outside environment minister Tanya Plibersek’s electoral office on May 3, as school students and supporters demanded strong action on the climate crisis.
The action was part of “Rise Up 12 Days of Action” called by a coalition of environment groups aimed at highlighting Labor’s failure to end fossil fuel mining. Rise Up is a joint initiative by organisations including School Students for Climate (SS4C), 350.org, Move Beyond Coal and the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC).
The main demands include: No new coal, oil and gas, including the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas Project and the Kurri Kurri Gas Plant; 100% public renewable energy and exports by 2030; Funding for a just transition and jobs for fossil fuel workers and their communities; Real carbon cuts, not offsets; and, Resource First Nations-led solutions that guarantee lands rights and care for Country.
Year 11 student Jeremy said: “Climate change is threatening our future. Labor has gone back on its words to take decisive action. We urgently need real action now to end the coal and gas industry.
Eleanor, a school student from the Hunter region, said: “The World Wildlife Fund stated Australia should be a global leader in tackling climate change. Instead, new laws have been delayed, breaking Labor’s election promise.
“So, we are now compelled to Rise Up. If we don't strike, nature will!”
The rally ended with activists distributing postcards to the minister saying “Protect the climate: Don't frack the Northern Territory.”
In the NT, gas corporations, like Tamboran, have plans to frack huge areas, despite decades of resistance from Traditional Owners, NT locals and young people around the country.
The cards called on Plibersek to “put a stop to fracking for good.”
[Read more at AYCC. Rise Up will protest against coal and gas outside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s residence at Kirribilli House, North Sydney on May 8 at 10am.]
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