The Australian Youth Climate Coalition strung up over 70 letters from young people around the country calling for climate justice with an end to fossil fuels subsidies and expansion.
Labor member for Canberra, Alicia Payne, Independent Senator for the ACT David Pocock, Dr Monique Ryan Independent MP for Kooyong and Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Greens Environment Minister joined young climate volunteers on Parliament Lawns.
"We're here today representing young people from across the country calling on the Albanese Government to stop public subsidies for fossil fuels and end new fossil fuel developments. To tackle the climate crisis we cannot open any new coal mines or gas wells," said Mirah Larkin she/her, 18 years old, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Canberra Volunteer.
"Young people across Australia are already experiencing the impacts of climate change. The letters we have brought to Parliament today for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are filled with the stories of young people facing bushfires, flooding, and heat waves. But young people are resilient, we are hopeful and we're not going to stop demanding bold, ambitious climate action from our political representatives." Mirah said.
"The Albanese government has inherited a mess of climate inaction from the Morrison government, including billions of dollars in subsidies for coal, oil and gas corporations. It's critical the Albanese government take urgent action to end subsidies for fossil fuels and stop dangerous gas expansion," Mirah said.
"We'll be watching Labor's October Budget closely to see if the Albanese government will listen to young people and end subsidies for coal and gas and instead invest in young people, in our communities and in climate solutions," said Grace Vegesana (she/they), 23 years old, Australian Youth Climate Coalition Climate and Racial Justice Campaigner.
"Millions of people voted for action on climate change this election, and now the Albanese Government needs to tackle the number one cause of the climate crisis by ending coal and gas expansion. We do not need any new coal mines or gas wells to transition to 100% renewable energy,' she said.
"The Albanese Government should listen to Traditional Owners standing against gas expansion on their Country from Kimberly in Western Australia, to Narrabri in North West NSW and the Beetaloo in the Northern Territory," she said.
"Today, Labor's Alcia Payne, Independent Senator David Pocock, Dr Monique Ryan Independent MP for Kooyong, and Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Greens showed their support for young people and Traditional Owners calling for an end to fossil fuel expansion," said Grace.
Labor MP Alicia Payne has committed to deliver the letters from young people across Australia calling for an end to fossil fuel expansion to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Photos of: Threads of hope art installation; Senator David Pocock Independent for the ACT with AYCC's Pledge signed; Monique Ryan Independent MP for Kooyong with signed pledge; Rebecca Vassarotti, ACT Greens Environment Minister; AYCC volunteers; AYCC's Climate and Racial Justice Campaigner Grace Vegesana; AYCC's Canberra Volunteer, Mirah Larkin.
Mirah Larkin and Grace Vegesana are
