Media release – Extinction Rebellion North Tasmania, 11 October 2023
Climate protesters trespassed in office of Senator Helen Polley (Labor) – Convictions recorded but no fines
Today (Wed 11th October) Scott Bell, Deb Lynch and Jeff McKinnon appeared before Magistrate Sharon Cure in Launceston, charged with trespass.
All 3 were convicted of trespass.
No fines or court costs were imposed.
This court case arose from a protest 1st September inside Labor Senator Helen Polley’s waiting room, while sitting quietly, non-violently and non-disruptively, demanding real action in the climate crisis, citing the urgent need to protect future generations.
All 3 had been previously arrested for climate protests. They refuse to give up and are targeting both sides of politics.
In fact, at the office of Liberal Senator Wendy Askew last week on 6th October, 2 of the same protesters, Jeff McKinon and Scott Bell along with Gwen Woods were arrested and charged with trespass. This charge will be heard on 15th November.
Ms Deb Lynch BN(Hons) and BCA(Hons) said, “I am a mother and grandmother and I say the Albanese government is failing in its duty of care to future generations. I used to say that I am doing this for my grandchildren, but now, unless action is taken on the climate and ecological emergency before 2030, then a climate tipping point will be reached and it is my children’s lives that I fear for.
“I have personally suffered the effects of the climate catastrophe, in the form of ‘1 in 100-year floods’ on 4 occasions in the last decade! Extreme weather events are increasing and net zero emissions by 2043 will be too late for our homes and our planet!”
