Day of Action at Parliament House
By Amber Dhingra, James Eyers, Alba Murphy and Ben Scowcroft, Year 6
On 8 September 2020, a 16-year-old student from Victoria, Anjali Sharma, led eight Australian children to challenge the Federal Government by asserting that they have a duty of care to protect future generations against decisions likely to result in climate harm. In the first instance, the case of Sharma v Minster for the Environment was successful, though the government of the day fought the case, and it was overturned.
In 2023, Anjali moved to the ACT, where she approached Senator David Pocock, and they have worked together since to propose the Duty of Care Bill in Parliament. This Bill considers the impact of climate change on the health and well-being of future generations. On Tuesday last week, four Year 6 students participated in a Day of Action, with another twenty-five young people at Parliament House, to gather support for this Bill and discuss the importance of this issue with local MPs and senators.
Reflections from the day
Amber
"Eventful is one of the many words that describe the Duty of Care Action Day. It was really interesting to hear from different MPs and senators, their perspectives on the Bill and their personal encounters with climate change. One highlight from the day was getting interviewed by the ABC media crew, which is an experience and milestone l won’t forget. I also enjoyed meeting with other young people and getting to know them, as it was really beneficial to exchange ideas on a relevant topic, allowing me to learn more and grow my understandings in this area."
Jimmy
"On Tuesday, Alba, Ben, Amber and I attended a Day of Action at Parliament House. We discussed many aspects of the Duty of Care Bill with a range of MPs and senators. The Duty of Care Bill proposes that the government should have a responsibility or a duty to care for the young people and future generations of Australia when considering fossil fuel industry growth. This Bill cares for the environment and helps Australia to become more sustainable. My favourite part of the day was meeting with Anjali Sharma and David Pocock, who are the two people proposing the Bill to Parliament. And whilst all was not successful on the day, with three out of a possible five pledges signed, I really enjoyed it and hope more opportunities like this occur later."
Alba
"The Day of Action was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will remember for the rest of my life. One of my greatest moments was when I was provided with the opportunity to make my voice heard through asking questions and persuading members of parliament throughout the course of the day. Even though Jimmy and I got two declines about supporting the Bill, it still gave me the opportunity to try to debate with and persuade different members of parliament. All throughout the day, being able to meet all these brilliant activists about climate change and seeing how good they are at making their voices heard, has taught and proven to me that anyone can take action no matter who you are."
Ben
"Last week, Alba, Jimmy, Amber and I went to Parliament House to debate the Duty of Care Bill with senators and House of Representatives members. The Bill tries to make the government consider the future generations of Australia when they make a decision that could harm the environment. At the start of the day, we went to the front of Parliament House and were interviewed by the ABC’s Australian Story crew. We then went inside and discussed the Bill with members of parliament and tried to get them to support the Bill to later help it get passed. We then went on a little tour of Parliament House and went home."