Matters of Interest

Australian Youth Climate Coalition

The Hon. I. PNEVMATIKOS (15:19): Many of us in this chamber would be familiar with the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC). They are Australia's largest youth-run organisation, with over 150,000 members who work collaboratively to hold decision-makers like us accountable on climate-based issues. I think we can all agree that we want to see our future generations live in a safe and clean environment. AYCC shares this vision and activates young people to speak out about the effects of climate change on their generation.

I acknowledge that some of the AYCC group are here today in the gallery, as well as supporters from the Limestone Coast Protection Alliance, and I thank them for their work. AYCC have been mobilising a diverse group of committed young people who stand in solidarity with those on the front lines of climate change. They believe combating climate change is the best opportunity to create a world that works for everyone, not just a few—powering our lives with the wind and ensuring access to clean energy sources and job opportunities for all.

You may have recently seen AYCC assisting during the School Strike 4 Climate march, and they continue to have a strong voice in the Fight for the Bight Campaign. As a member of the Great Australian Bight Alliance, AYCC assisted in mobilising the Fight for the Bight Paddle Out.

Although AYCC, along with partner organisations, were able to pressure BP and Chevron out of the Bight, companies are persistently looking at new fossil fuel projects. The National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority has granted Norwegian oil company Equinor the second of four approvals required before they can start drilling in the Bight. This prompted AYCC to begin another stage in their Fight for the Bight campaign, with a focus on Equinor.

In late January, I met with two of the South Australian group members, Taya and Charlotte. Both were concerned about the risk of continuing carbon exploration for the coastal communities near the area and the overall effects of continuing mining. AYCC have continued to work with First Nation leaders, coastal communities and environmental organisations to direct their campaign. Echoing these voices throughout their campaigns has created a strong campaign.

The strength of their campaigns has led them to take on corporations and the fossil fuel lobby that threatens their future. Already leaps and bounds ahead of this parliament, AYCC recognise the severe impacts of continuing to use fossil fuels for energy. They recognise that opening a new, unexplored oil and gas basin will increase the effects of climate change, at a time when the climate-fuelled droughts, bushfires and floods are impacting our country.

Many members have made contributions to the bushfire motion; now is the perfect time to be talking about climate change prevention and mitigating actions. If we do nothing, we can only expect natural disasters to worsen. South Australians are now, more than ever, aware of the effects of climate change on their community. They are fed up with the lack of inaction.

Members will remember the motion passed in July 2018 on the Great Australian Bight. I recognise the Hon. Mark Parnell for introducing the motion and the Hon. Ian Hunter for his contribution to the motion. It passed this council without the support of the Liberal government. We recognised the concerns echoing through the community and acted accordingly.

The state government also has a role to play in protecting our environment and future generations from climate change. While responsibility for oil and gas activities in the waters of the Bight rest with the commonwealth government, we have a responsibility for regulating necessary onshore supporting activities or infrastructure. Without the support of the state government, offshore activities in the Bight would not be possible. I know the AYCC will continue to fight for action on climate change and I hope that this chamber will listen with respect and act on the advice of young people.