SUE JACKSON Therapist | Writer | Photographer | Activist

An avid blogger for the last fifteen years, I believe in the power of the word to change the world. I have participated in, and reported on, a range of protests during this period, including the successful East-West Link campaign and, more recently, our wonderful, home-grown Extinction Rebellion (XR). If you believe, like I do, that it is time for ordinary people to rise up in defence of the planet, I encourage you to explore this blog, share it with your networks, and – of course – take action.

: Name: Sue Jackson

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Thursday, February 28, 2019

'School Strike 4 Climate': Josh Frydenberg's Office

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This morning I joined protesting students outside Josh Frydenberg's office in Camberwell. You can see some of those students (above) waiting, and waiting, for him to appear. As eventually I had to leave, I am not sure if he ever graced them with his presence. It seemed telling that while these young activists broiled in the heat below, our Deputy Liberal Party Leader and Treasurer sat in air-conditioned comfort in his office above. Perhaps he even has sound proofing, so could effortlessly ignore heartfelt chants like:

'Too much carbon in the atmosphere. Oops it's hot down here.'

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Students from all over Victoria appeared outside the Minister's office. This is why:

'We are striking to ask Josh Frydenberg to protect our future and #StopAdani's mine as the first step towards moving Australia OFF fossil fuels and ON to 100% renewable energy.'

Many of the protestors arrived by train, including a large cohort from rural Castlemaine.

I was concerned that they might be penalised for skipping school to attend a protest. But I needn't have worried. As the trio below quickly reassured me their teachers are very supportive, and many of yesterdays' lessons at school were focused on how to behave and stay safe at a protest.

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There were not only young students pouring out of Camberwell Station. There were supporters of all ages:

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But, whatever their age, protestors were united in their goal - to make politicians listen. Because as the students put it:
'Coal is the number one cause of devastating climate impacts that are hurting our communities right now. Yet neither of the major parties have committed to stop Adani building the largest coal mine in the Southern Hemisphere.'

That's why, marching to the Minister's office they chanted:
'Coal. Don't dig it. Leave it in the ground. It's time to get with it!' Overdue time, I would say!

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As this student below put it later in the morning: 'I love my education, but my future is more important.'

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Support the Global Strike on March 15, when students everywhere will be striking from school for a safe climate future.