Greens Leader Supports World’s Largest Coal Port Blockade Following Arrest of 100 People
Hundreds of Protestors Paddle Out to Block Port of Newcastle
Protestors paddled out on kayaks, surfboards, and pontoons to block the shipping lanes at the Port of Newcastle. Federal Green Leader Adam Bandt has voiced his support for the blockade despite over 100 protestors being arrested, including a church minister.
Mr. Bandt said the protests were aimed at stopping more floods and bushfires in Australia, emphasizing the urgency in addressing climate change.
Rising Tide, a climate activist group, led the protest outside the port, stopping coal exports and causing delays for 10 ships. Despite police reprimanding over 100 protestors, protests persisted past the agreed deadline.
Bandt’s Active Role in Climate Demonstrations
Bandt has continued to support climate-related demonstrations and protests, urging the public to embrace the importance of protest and civil disobedience. He participated in School Strike 4 Climate and supported students protesting against fossil fuels in Sydney.
However, the Greens’ stance on climate policies has set them at odds with Labor, particularly regarding the production of fossil fuels. Labor’s approvals of coal mines have been criticized, with concerns about its environmental impact and the safety of future generations.
Despite the government’s initiatives to transform the national energy grid in favor of renewables, the Greens continue to advocate for stricter climate action policies.
