What will it take for the government to take notice of Australians’ demand for climate action? Crikey readers, along with protesters at Australia’s Extinction Rebellion, are asking the same question, and all signs are pointing to further disruptive action. Elsewhere, readers lamented what was lost in the closing of local story archives at ABC Open.
On Australia’s Extinction Rebellion
Terry Marlin writes: We are facing a catastrophic and existential threat. The policies of the Australian government aren’t reflecting this, its business as usual. Until responsible and appropriate action is taken by governments (ideally a big shakeup of the entire system), I support the tactics and escalation of Extinction Rebellion.
Graham Barnes writes: Not since the Moratorium rallies of the 1970s have I ever seen so much public demonstration of quite justifiable peeves, while politicians seem oblivious to the messages that are being conveyed to them. I am pleased that actual rioting has yet to happen here in Oz, that the demonstrations are rowdy but injury and property damage has yet to occur — but for how long? What does it take to get through to the dunderheads in Canberra that this nation is facing serious potential problems which, if neglected or ignored, will become disasters? I’m not holding my breath, yet!
On ABC Open
Ken Boyne writes: Like many, I lament the closing of ABC Open and its capacity to give voice to people around Australia and the colour and uniqueness of their many voices that have built and continue to build the character of Australia. The sad reality for the people in rural and remote Australia is that their predilection for continuing to elect to power the very politicians that don’t care. Expect more.
Robert Tullberg writes: Closing ABC open doesn’t seem right to me. Those stories from rural and regional Australia are so important to me. We need to hear and celebrate the achievements of the provinces.
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For what its worth, I feared the counter terrorism legislation mainly for what it would do to climate activisim when the time came.
That was always my assumption.
In the UK anti-terrorism laws have been used on the most unlikely (ie respectable, melanin deficient) people for paltry reasons such as asking awkward questions at a Labour party conference in 2016.
Threatening Mammon is never considered unimportant and it is the obeisance which is crucial in causing climate disruption.
If the death of a million fish hasn’t put a rocket up where the sun don’t shine in our appallingly dim witted politicians, the outlook for the nation’s well being is remote to the point of invisibility. Perhaps all the publicity re climate change and the probable extinction of hundreds of our native species is just a waste of time worrying about.
Let us be really honest. Let us declare a national day of actually doing something for the environment. Let us celebrate our disinterest by concreting over our entire land mass. Eighty percent of the population will not even notice.
Sorry this is a belated comment, but wanted to say that I prefer the Global Climate Strike and School Strike for Climate to Extinction Rebellion. XR people seem to be blocking roads for no particular goal at peak hour, annoying motorists and commuters, and also have a goal to ‘get as many people arrested as possible’. I’m committed to action on climate, and I don’t mind a protest or rally as part of the efforts to raise awareness, but I just find XR to be a bit counterproductive. Many of us have been trying to build the movement through a range of efforts and I am concerned that XR could undo the support that has been getting stronger. Has anyone looked into (I mean investigative journalists) whether XR’s claims check out? Are their tactics really effective? Or do they just create division and annoyance? Do they also encourage innocent folks to get a criminal record for little gain? Some good people I know are interested in joining XR due to their deep concern about the issue, but I’m not convinced.