Protest Erupts Over Government’s Climate Target

Media event – Australian Youth Climate Coalition and Tasmanian Climate Collective, 22 September 2025

As part of a nationwide day of action, hundreds of people led by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and community climate groups participated in ‘Sleep-In’ actions at eight Labor MP offices across Australia.

In Rosny Park, a crowd of protesters gathered at the office of Julie Collins MP to say “wake up!” to the federal labor government.

“Labor’s weak 2035 climate target shows they are asleep on climate,” said Natasha Abhayawickrama, National Campaigner for AYCC.

“Today we took our message to their MP office doors – get out of bed with the coal and gas corporations!”

The Rosny Park protest was one of many actions staged in cities including Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns and Fremantle.

The key facts:

The federal government has delivered a weak 2035 climate target that ignores what scientists say is needed to avoid these impacts.

This is just days after the Climate Risk Assessment outlined in terrifying detail the consequences of not acting on climate change.

Outraged communities, led by young people, are protesting across Australia after the federal government delivered an “embarrassing” 2035 climate target just days after the release of a terrifying climate risk report.

On Thursday, the federal government announced a 2035 emission reduction target of 62-70% – a weak target from a timid Prime Minister, that is too little, too late.

“We are determined to send the Labor Government a clear message: Stop Sleeping on Climate!,” said Abhayawickrama.

“Labor is in bed with the coal and gas industry, with the approval of over 28 coal and gas projects and expansions in their first term. Last week they approved Woodside’s North-West Gas Shelf extension, one of the most polluting gas projects in the southern hemisphere. The announcement of this weak 2035 target is a total betrayal of our futures.

“Young people, First Nations people, Pacific Islanders and those on the frontlines of the climate crisis cannot afford Labor’s continued inaction and support for the coal and gas industry.”

“There are real impacts of climate change for Tasmania – with more bushfires and floods” said Dr Clare Smith from the Tasmanian Climate Collective.

“Tasmania can expect to pay $320 million every year in economic costs from hazards like storms and bushfires from 2050.

This is equivalent to paying for a new $1.8 billion Macquarie Point stadium every 5.6 years!”

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