On 17 November 2023, students across the nation will come together as part of a Global Day of Action, demanding that the government makes the shift away from coal and gas and towards a more sustainable energy source.
In Perth, students will meet at Florence Hummerstone Reserve next to Woodside Energy, and continue to march to the Perth Convention Centre, where the 2023 WA Energy Transition Conference will be held.
Several key politicians who hold the power to make important decisions on climate and new fossil fuel projects such as Madeleine King, Roger Cook and Chris Bowen will be in attendance, as well as representatives from the fossil fuel lobby, such as Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill.
Students and the general public will gather outside to protest the WA government’s support of large fossil fuel projects, such as Woodside’s Burrup Hub, and to voice their support for a just energy transition with no new fossil fuel projects.
The students will be issuing a clear set of demands to the government:
- Net Zero by 2030: We insist on the commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2030, which necessitates an end to new coal, oil, or gas projects.
- 100 per cent Public Renewable Energy: We call for a transition to 100% public renewable energy generation and exports by 2030.
- Support a Just Transition: We demand the government to fund a just transition and job creation for fossil-fuel industry workers and communities, ensuring no one is left behind.
- Respect First Nations Land Rights: We seek the government’s commitment to resource First Nations-led solutions that guarantee land rights and care for the country.
17-year-old Perth student Tom Power said: “I will be striking because I don’t want to inherit a world that is on the brink of ecological collapse.
“We are angry and disappointed at the failure of the Australian government time and time again ignoring warning signs just to make a quick dollar.
“We will be striking with outrage to force the government to listen to the majority calling for climate justice now.”
