Students, farmers and people who had lost their homes in the recent bushfires converged outside Kevin Hogan’s office on Friday to talk about climate action.

Molesworth Street in the Lismore CBD saw a crowd of people rally – bringing a message to the Federal Member for Page that the government needs to act now on climate change.

Lismore student Alako Miles said the community and school students want the local member to know that climate change is an important issue and Mr Hogan should bring the interests of Australia into the heart of Liberal Party politics. 

“Scott Morrison should take action on climate change as it is affecting people everywhere in Australia, rural and metropolitan,” Alako said.

“This rally gives a voice to people who are directly affected by bushfires here in the Northern Rivers and we are also writing letters to Mr Hogan and telling him our concerns. 

“We need our government to change its policies. 

“We need to see stronger action taken to stop mining.

“Australia’s G20 ranking is one of the worst in the world.

“When we students join the global strike, we bring these demands to government: No new coal, oil and gas projects, including the Adani mine; 100% renewable energy generation and exports by 2030; and fund a just transition and job creation for all fossil-fuel workers and communities.”

Maddy Rose Braddon speaks.

Maddy Rose Braddon addressed the crowd saying that she was striking from work today.

“People are becoming depressed and displaced by the climate crisis,” Maddy said.

“It’s no longer something that will happen in the future.

“Who has been breathing in smoke from the bushfires for the past two weeks?

"Who has evacuated because of bushfire or flood?

“Who knows someone whose house burned down because of the bushfires?

“A few years ago I met with Kevin Hogan to talk about these issues, and told him how ridiculous his policies on climate change were.

“Now we are back here again and nothing has changed.

“We all need to take action together.”

The rally was part of a national climate change action taking part in many cities across Australia.