Australia’s New South Wales Deputy Home Affairs Minister Yasmin Catley was dubbed the “Protest Minister” by the opposition, which criticized her for supporting environmental activists who blocked the world’s largest coal port, Newcastle, over the weekend. , located in the state. , Sky News Australia reported on November 27.
Before the protest, Catley, who heads the state police, said “applaud people for their participation” in matters of public debate, which New South Wales opposition leader Mark Speakman believes amounts to “incitement” meeting.
For his part, Peter Toole, who holds a position equivalent to Catley in the opposition “shadow cabinet”, added that “Her role is to support our police, not to be a minister for the protests here in this state.”
Recall that during a mass action that took place in the port of Newcastle over the weekend, some 3,000 activists organized a blockade of ships carrying coal for 30 hours in the water in protest against the policy of the Australian federal government, which continues to support the fossil fuel industry and approves new coal projects.
Activists, notably Green Party leader Adam Bandt, remained in boats and kayaks until around 4pm on Sunday, and some also attempted to enter the harbor channel, after which police arrested 109 people. for exceeding the deadline to obtain permits, protests and interference with the use of water by others.
Rally organizers, environmental activists Rising Tide, said before the event they would demand a 75% tax on fossil fuel exports to accelerate Australia’s transition to green energy. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said, however, that the obstruction of a major seaport by protesters was actually harming the goal of a faster transition to renewable energy.
Activists are outraged by the federal government’s recently announced Capacity Investment Plan (CIS), which will open more coal-fired power plants across the country.
Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the CEI was essential to “increase the power available in the energy system”simultaneously “provide the long-term reliable, affordable, low-emission energy system that Australians deserve as our energy system changes”.
Also read: Environmental activists in kayaks blocked the world’s largest coal port
Source: Rossa Primavera
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