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

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian ‘Travel Guides’ star left speechless after visiting Greece for show’s season premiere

Greek Australian 'Travel Guides' star Dorian reveals to The Greek Herald what we can expect from the special Greece season launch on Wednesday, April 28.

Greek football glory comes to Melbourne: Relive the magic of Euro 2004

Get ready, Melbourne! A once-in-a-lifetime event is coming your way, and it’s an occasion no Greek football fan will want to miss. 

Ancient Greek healing temple in Trikala to be restored

The ancient Asclepieion in Thessaly, an important healing temple of the Greek empire across time, will be restored.Â