2019-09-18
Australian Greens Spokesperson for Education, Senator Mehreen Faruqi, has responded to Education Minister Dan Tehan’s criticism of University of Melbourne medical students and staff participating in the September 20 Climate Strike.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Minister Tehan is completely out of touch with the community and experts who are demanding action on the climate crisis.
“The Minister’s comments highlight the Government’s inaction on the climate meltdown, which isn’t a shock considering Minister Littleproud’s recent climate-denying statement that he doesn’t ‘know if climate change is man made’.
“Any doctor will tell you that prevention is the best cure, but the Government is refusing to act while our window to prevent the worst effects of the climate crisis is closing fast.
“Health professionals recognise the climate crisis is endangering our health as it destroys our planet. Just this month, the Australia Medical Association declared climate change a ‘health emergency’.
“I’m with students and academics from universities and TAFEs across the country who should be celebrated for acting in the interests of future generations by joining Friday’s climate strike. As an environmental engineer and former academic, I’ll be right there with them on Friday,” she concluded.