Media release – Dr Scott Bell and Rev Jeff McKinnon, 28 January 2024

Hungry for Climate Justice

Dr Scott Bell and Rev Jeff McKinnon arrive in Hobart on the first day of their hunger strike.  They will take their message to every federal politician in Tasmania.  They say that our leaders are failing in their duty of care as the climate crisis begins to bite. Concerned citizens will be present across the state to reinforce the message with signs and costumes.

Over the coming fortnight, Bell and McKinnon will spend three days in the south, then travel to the north west including Devonport and Burnie. On 4th February they will be back and will set up a site in the Launceston Mall. Says Rev McKinnon, “We will use these days in the Mall in our second week to reinforce our message.”

Jeff McKinnon says that human civilisation has unwittingly declared war on the earth systems that support life. “This is a war we simply cannot win. We must stop now – and face up to any short term cost.”

“Climate scientists have announced that 2023 was the hottest year experienced since records have been kept and is likely to have been the hottest in over ten thousand years. 2024 is likely to be hotter still.

“We have about six years before crossing major tipping points. The global community has six years to act decisively, eliminating the use of fossil fuels.

“Australia can and must play a leading role in this massive global transition.”

Scott Bell says that after commencing in the right direction, the Albanese Government has been underwhelming in their delivery of climate action; they must step up our transition away from exporting fossil fuels and non-Labor politicians must also hold them accountable.

“Our future generations, our children and grandchildren, expect a better deal. Our precious remaining environmental assets need protection.  To do so we need courageous politicians to make hard decisions, on behalf of our people and their world”.

A support crew will travel with the pair around the state. This hunger strike has been arranged by Extinction Rebellion Northern Tasmania.

Social media

People can watch their journey, see where to join in and see how politicians respond, on Facebook: XRNT Northern Tasmania and Instagram XrNorthTas.

Jeff & Scott’s message

We are hungry for climate justice – our leaders are failing us.

 The Australian Government has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 43% (compared to 2005 levels) by 2030 but progress towards this important target has been woefully slow.

 We are calling upon the Australian Government to

  • urgently speed up the transition to renewables and encourage other nations to do likewise
  • urgently reduce fossil fuel exports (which do huge damage globally but are ignored in Australian climate policies)
  • scrap carbon credits which have become a form of greenwashing
  • add a water trigger and a climate trigger when the Environment Minister assesses new projects.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE   – Southern Tasmanian section

 Hobart & Kingston – Monday 29th January

  • 9.00am Media event on Parliament Lawn
  • 11.00 Sen Nick McKim’s office, 149B Macquarie St.
  • 1.00 Sen Catryna Bilyk’s office, 3/20-24 Channel Highway, Kingston.
  • 4.00 Banners & placards on Parliament lawns

Hobart- Tuesday 30th Jan.

  • 9.00 Sen Carol Brown’s office, First Floor, 136 Davey St.
  • 11.00 Sen Jonathon Duniam’s office, 85 Macquarie St.
  • 1.30 Andrew Wilkie MHR’s office, 188 Collins St.
  • 4.00 Banners on street corner TBA

Hobart & travel North – Wednesday 31st Jan.

  • 10.00 am Hon Julie Collins MHR’s office, 18 Ross St., Rosny Park
  • pm Sen Claire Chandler’s office, 42 Bridge Rd., Richmond.
  • 3.00 pm Brian Mitchell MHR’s office, 53B Main Rd, Perth.