'Disgraceful': Young climate campaigners dismayed by Labor's gas strategy
Youth activists have warned support for fossil fuels may hurt Labor at next year's federal election.
Young climate campaigners from Western Australia say the federal government has betrayed them by announcing its support for new gas developments in a strategy released today.
Jemima Williamson-Wong, a 21-year-old Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) volunteer, said the move would impact Labor's popularity with young voters.
"The gas strategy that was announced today is completely disappointing and disgraceful of the government, in terms of really just being a rebranding of Scott Morrison's Covid recovery plan, which was created by a lot of gas executives on a board together," she told The Last Place on Earth.
"I do think there will be a shift in our next federal election and Labor needs to watch their back because young people are rising up.
"We're voting, and we're voting towards people who will be able to deliver us a safe future."
The 'Future Gas Strategy' shores up the government's support for the gas industry. It says "new sources of gas are needed" and that Australia will continue to be a "reliable trading partner" for gas.
“The strategy makes it clear that gas will remain an important source of energy through to 2050 and beyond, and its uses will change as we improve industrial energy efficiency, firm renewables, and reduce emissions," said Resources Minister Madeleine King.
“But it is clear we will need continued exploration, investment and development in the sector to support the path to net zero for Australia and for our export partners, and to avoid a shortfall in gas supplies.”
AYCC and the Lock the Gate Alliance held a protest outside Madeleine King's Rockingham electorate office today as part of a nationally coordinated day of action demanding the government halt new coal and gas projects. Around 140 people attended.
Conservation Council of Western Australia campaigner Binu Ekanaike told the crowd the new gas strategy showed Labor caving in to pressure from industry.
"Shame on Madeleine King," she said. "[The strategy] promises us emissions until 2050 in blatant disregard for environmental movements and youth activists.
"My question to Madeleine King is: will you continue betraying the future of our youth, or will you show up for us?"
The rally outside King's office today also called for an end to government fossil fuel subsidies.
"I think it's pretty disgraceful that Labor continues to put our future on the line for the profit of big corporations, rather than spending that money on homes and education and easing the cost of living crisis," said Jemima Williamson-Wong.
"We've seen that Labor has made a few announcements recently to try and apparently help, but this goes nowhere near to the amount of money that they give to fossil fuel companies each year. We'd much rather they spent that money on ensuring a just transition. I think young people are scared for their future and we want to see a transition happen, but we're also facing other crises that demand our attention at the same time."
The federal government says its new gas strategy is in line with Australia's climate goals and a commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.
"Australia is committed to supporting global emissions reductions to reduce the impacts of climate change and will reach net zero emissions by 2050," the strategy says. "Gas production and use must be optimised through the transition and residual use must be abated or offset to achieve this economy-wide commitment."
The International Energy Agency has previously said there can be no new oil and gas infrastructure if the world is to meet the 1.5-degree warming target established in the Paris Agreement.
