Public servants should face no penalty for attending the climate strike

2019-09-09

This week the Victorian Greens will introduce a motion to parliament calling on Premier Daniel Andrews to ensure no public servants are penalised for taking part in the upcoming climate strike.

The motion also urges all Victorians to attend the upcoming strike.

Thousands of Victorians are expected to descend on Treasury Gardens on September 20 to call for greater action on climate change.

Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam, commended students around the state for demanding 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030.

The Victorian Greens recently introduced amendments to the Government’s Renewable Energy (Jobs and Investment) Amendment Bill 2019 that would increase the state’s 50 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 to 100 per cent, reflecting the will of young Victorians.

It was originally due to be debated in the upper house this week however the Government has dropped it from this week’s agenda.

Quotes attributable to Leader of the Victorian Greens, Samantha Ratnam MLC:

“The Government should no longer be under any illusion – we are currently in the midst of a climate emergency.

“We support the right of all Victorians to attend the climate strike this month and to make their voices heard on what urgently needs to be done to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment. 

“I hope the Premier feels similarly and will not penalise any public servants for joining the chorus of voices at Treasury Gardens.

“The time to act is now and a 100 per cent renewable energy target is not only realistic, it’s vital.”