Face of Nation : Climate change activists preparing for a week of protests in Melbourne were few and far between as the crowd expected to flood the CBD this morning was nowhere to be seen. Activists were set to cause major disruptions this week, mimicking the immense scale of the Global Strike 4 Climate protests that took place across the country late last month.
Today only a small group of activists sitting on the steps outside of Parliament House for an all-day sit-in were patrolled by police. Authorities have warned activists they’re prepared to make arrests and will crack down on anyone trying to make trouble.
Spokeswoman Jane Morton said the protests were the only way to urge governments to listen to experts and act on climate change. The Extinction Rebellion movement is planning a “spring rebellion” across Melbourne from Monday until Sunday.
“There’s no alternative and we do apologise for the disruption because we believe it’s the only way we can get our message out,” she told 3AW on Monday. “It’s pressure and it’s the only way we know to save my kids, your kids if you’ve got any.”
Victoria Police Commander Tim Hansen says police will step in if there’s significant disorder, violence or if people’s safety is being put at risk. “We’ve been taking considered legal advice and human rights advice over the last fortnight, and we have a fairly clear tactical plan (of) how we’re going to respond this week,” he told 3AW on Monday.
He said the group had a right to peaceful protest, but members of the public have a right to freedom of movement. “Not only do you have human rights, you also have human rights responsibilities here,” Commander Hansen warned protesters.
Based out of Carlton Gardens, the Extinction Rebellion plans to occupy the CBD on Tuesday and are prepared for peaceful arrests. A “swarm for survival” is planned for Wednesday, an “extinction rave” for Friday night and a “nudie parade” for Saturday.
Environment Victoria has extended its support to the group, saying their actions are understandable in such “desperate times” in which political leaders appear unwilling to act on climate change. “These are ordinary people pushed to do extraordinary things in a moment of crisis,” chief executive Jono La Nauze said in a statement.
