Parts of Sydney and Melbourne have been swamped by school children who left class to demand government action on climate change.
Thousands of Australian school children are walking out of class to demand federal government action on climate change in a series of coordinated rallies across the country.
The ‘Strike 4 Climate Action’ – inspired by a 15-year-old Swedish school girl’s activism – will involve children in capital cities and 20 regional centres such as Ballarat and Newcastle.
Up to one thousand children packed Sydney’s Martin Place on Friday afternoon, chanting “climate action now,” while similar numbers descended on the Victorian parliament.
The Melbourne protest blocked off parts of Spring Street, according to authorities.
But Resources Minister Matt Canavan says the children are only going to learn how to join the dole queue.
Mr Canavan said he wants kids in school learning about how to build mines, do geology and how to drill for oil and gas “which is one of the most remarkable science exploits in the world”.
“These are the type of things that excite young children and we should be great at as a nation,” he told 2GB on Friday.
“Taking off school and protesting? You don’t learn anything from that.
“The best thing you’ll learn about going to a protest is how to join the dole queue. Because that’s what your future life will look like, up in a line asking for a handout, not actually taking charge for your life and getting a real job.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison earlier this week said the nation needed “more learning in schools and less activism”.
Sydney student Jean Hinchliffe said her generation’s future was on the line.
“We are sick of those in power failing to stop the climate crisis,” the 14-year-old said in a statement.
“We are striking to tell our politicians to stop all new coal and gas projects and take immediate action to move Australia to 100 per cent renewable energy.”
The rally is inspired by Greta Thunberg, who went on strike on September, ahead of Sweden’s national election, demanding the country’s leader to do something about climate change.
Source AAP
