17 April 2024

RELEASE

Following Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s announcement yesterday of further delays to much needed updates to our environmental laws, climate and environment groups have launched 12 days of action to demand no more coal and gas.

Over 50 actions are planned in every state and territory as part of the Rise Up 12 days of action from 29 April to 10 May, supported by an historic collaboration of climate groups: the Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Youth Climate Coalition, Getup, 350.org and Move Beyond Coal.

The actions will target Labor MPs and Senators in a bid to make this a priority legislative action before the end of this year.

Kelly Albion, Acting CEO of 350.org said “The Labor government promised voters they would fix our environment laws, but yesterday they showed us they don’t have the guts to stand up to coal and gas bullies and are delaying overdue reforms. Like the floodwaters and flames we are rising up to demand and end to coal and gas mining that is fuelling the climate crisis.

Natasha Abhayawickrama, Organiser with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition said “This government is guilty of capitulating to the coal and gas lobby who have bullied our Parliament for too long. It is baffling that in a climate crisis, the Environment Minister is choosing delay and division over protecting communities and our future.

Young people are turning up from Perth to Cairns, to Hobart and Darwin, and we’re calling on the Albanese government to deliver on their commitments to fix our broken environment laws and act with urgency to address the climate crisis.”

Gavan McFadzean, Program Manager – Climate & Energy, Australian Conservation Foundation said “The latest mass bleaching event hitting the Great Barrier Reef is just the latest example of the damage climate change does to nature, so it’s critical the Albanese government delivers urgent, comprehensive reform to our national environment laws this term – including requiring governments to consider whether projects are bad for the climate as part of the assessment process.”

You can see a map of Rise Up Actions here: https://350.org.au/rise-up-12-days-of-action/