People power takes the climate struggle to
Parliament
23 November 2009, Canberra: Two hundred people are blockading Federal Parliament in a
peaceful civil disobedience demonstration this morning.
The participants, from across Australia and from every walk of life, are calling on Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd to secure a strong, legally binding treaty at the upcoming international
climate negotiations.
The protest comes just two weeks before the nations of the world meet in Copenhagen,
Denmark, to finalise a new global treaty to decide how the world addresses the threat of
climate change.
The demonstrators are staging a sit-in, blocking the doors of Parliament and refusing to
move. They have accused the Prime Minister, Kevin Ruddof not doing enough to secure a
strong climate treaty at Copenhagen.
“There are people here today from every state in Australia, and most of them have never
undertaken peaceful civil disobedience before,” said Georgina Woods, spokesperson for the
demonstration. “We are here today on behalf of every Australian whose children and
grandchildren will be affected by the devastation of climate change.”
“The Copenhagen climate talks are the world’s best chance to prevent devastating climate
change. Prime Minister Rudd has the opportunity to play a role in determining how today’s
leaders respond to the climate crisis, to leave a courageous legacy for future generations.
Rudd needs to go to Copenhagen with an absolute commitment to securing the deal the
climate science demands.”
“Australia has to commit to cutting our greenhouse pollution by 40%, we must make a fair
contribution to international climate finance and we must make emission cuts at home, not
weasel out of them by buying forest offsets internationally. The world can judge whether
Rudd is walking his talk, or if it’s just empty rhetoric.”
“When the nations of the world meet in Copenhagen in just two weeks time, they will have a
choice. They can continue their dangerous delay tactics, or they can put aside petty
differences and craft a strong, fair and binding global climate treaty to addresses the
devastating threats posed by climate change. We want Rudd to know that the people of
Australia are watching.” Ms Woods said.
Further comment: Georgina Woods 0413 817 597
For images or alternative contact – Steve Phillips 04117 94 508
NEWS 
