Proud to see local students acting on climate change
Students planning to participate in a national school strike this Friday calling for emergency action on climate change should ignore the Prime Minister’s patronising speech on the matter, said Member for Ballina Tamara Smith.
“The idea that schools and students should have less activism - how incredibly out of touch is the Prime Minister to suggest that young people are not activists in their own right?” said Ms Smith.
“Has Scott Morrison not talked to Year 6 students lately? I have found as the Member for Ballina and as a teacher that it is children and young people who have the most passionate concerns about the environment, climate change and inequalities in society.
“Instead of shaming young people for wanting to have their voices heard, the Prime Minister should be welcoming the input of children and young people, since the future belongs to them.
“I’m very disappointed in the NSW Minister for Education for taking such a draconian approach to the voices of young people and their absolute right to draw attention to their future on a warming planet.
“I encourage these courageous young people from my electorate and I am proud to be their local MP. I will be there supporting them during their School Strike on Friday at Railway Park at Byron Bay”.
“Labor’s approval of another giant coal mine for the Galilee Basin shows they are just as out of touch with the mood of young Australians,” said Ms Smith.
Student Strike for Climate Action
WHEN: 10am, 30th November
WHERE: Railway Park, 58 Jonson St Byron Bay - marching to Byron Bay Main Beach
More info: www.schoolstrike4climate.com/support-us