Page 3656 - Week 10 - Thursday, 19 September 2019
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and the government understands that it is critical to support youth-led action like tomorrow’s climate strike because we understand that children and young people will live in the world that we leave behind.
It is clear that strong leadership and immediate action are required to avoid catastrophic climate change. Globally, Australia is already well behind. Young people and students understand this and governments and politicians need to listen. All the students who demonstrated leadership at the school climate strike in March will demonstrate that leadership again tomorrow when they bring the community together again for the climate strike.
Just as I did in March, I am backing students who want to take action on climate change, with the permission of their parents or carers. Participation in activism is a learning experience in itself and I believe that all young people should have the chance to engage in creating change through activism. I am really proud to have supported the students who are committed to take action and I am proud to see that the March climate strike has made waves around Australia as well as around the world. I can feel momentum building and I can see that when people stand together we can create change towards a more equitable and sustainable future.
It is clear that hearing the voices of students matters. When I speak with young people I hear that they want a greater say in what and how they learn. They see themselves as decision makers with their learning environments, and through actions like tomorrow’s strike they are showing that they can influence change. That is why student agency has been a key principle of the future of education strategy. A school that listens to its students provides a better education, and a community that listens to its young people has a brighter future. I want to see more students participating in civic engagement, which is why the ACT prioritises sustainability in school curriculums. I want even more students to use their voices to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Unlike Mr Wall, who has suggested that students should just stay in school, the government understands that learning does not happen just in the classrooms. These students who are striking tomorrow are giving effect to the learning that they have engaged in through the sustainability cross-curriculum priority. ACT students are applying their learning to this life-changing issue and they should be absolutely applauded for it.
Yesterday two strong young women from Lyneham High School came to the Assembly to tell us politicians some home truths. Amelia and Zoe are showing impressive leadership in bringing together their peers, workers and others in the community to take a stand for action on climate change.
I have already spoken in this place about my daughter’s blunt honesty with me on this issue and she continues to be direct with her thoughts on the issues of climate change in our world. I encourage her and I encourage all ACT students to participate tomorrow, to have their say and to be heard.
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