Bushfire emergency leads thousands to protest across Australia for climate change policy revision

·

Climate change rallies have been held in most capital cities around Australia in the wake of the bushfire crisis, with thousands of protesters criticising Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s handling of the fire emergencies in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Protesters were criticised by politicians and police, who said resources had to be diverted from bushfire fronts to manage the crowds at the rallies.

The Uni Students for Climate Justice organised the protests that were intended to shut down parts of the CBD during peak hour in those capital cities.

Organisers said they wanted to “sack Scomo”, and secure compensation for volunteer firefighters, as well as emergency housing and compensation for those paying for accommodation after their houses burnt down. They also demanded the Federal Government end the multi-billion-dollar fossil fuel subsidy.

Rallies across the country

Protesters marched down Adelaide Street in Brisbane about 7:00pm. Photo: ABC News – Kate McKenna

In Sydney, thousands of climate protesters packed into the area around Town Hall.

Several people told the ABC it was the first protest they had ever attended because they were so upset about bushfires and the climate change situation.

Sydney father Lachlan James told the ABC he hoped the rally sparked a political response.

“I’m doing this for my daughter really,” he said.

In Brisbane, emotions ran high at the climate change rally where more than 3,000 people gathered in King George Square to demand Mr Morrison’s resignation.

Carrying a sign saying ‘A Quite Angry Australian’, the Connoly family said Mr Morrison’s actions had fallen “completely short” of “what’s expected of a leader”.

In Melbourne, despite rain, there were at least 5,000 people blocking off the middle of Melbourne’s CBD and part of La Trobe Street.

Some people held signs with pictures of animals that had died in the nation’s bushfires while others held up photos of the Prime Minister calling for him to be sacked.

Premier not happy with timing of rally

Despite the rain, there were more than 1,000 people outside Melbourne’s state library. Photo: ABC News – Kristian Silver

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews criticised the organisers for pushing ahead with the protest in Melbourne, putting pressure on police resources during the fire emergency.

“The protest against advice of police in the middle of a disaster —that’s when you start losing public support, not adding to your public support,” Mr Andrews said.

“Common sense tells you that there are other times to make your point.”

Victoria Police would not confirm how many officers were covering the Melbourne protest, due to operational concerns. However, they confirmed no police officers were pulled back from the bushfires in Victoria for the protest.

Sourced by: ABC News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

You May Also Like

Melbourne’s Grecian Ball still relevant especially for future of Greek community

The 2nd Grecian Ball by the Greek Community of Melbourne was about future generations and the carrying on of the torch.

Bob Hart’s recipe for the perfect Australia Day Greek-style lamb

Serves 4-6 You will need: 1 lamb leg, butterflied2 tbs extra virgin olive oilSea saltCracked pepperGreek oregano3 cloves of garlic, crushed1 lemon, squeezed150-200g good, Greek feta,...

Greek young guns set NRL alight with fiery performance against the Dragons

Greek-Australian’s Lachlan Ilias and Peter Mamouzelos made themselves known to the NRL community on Saturday.