Climate Media Centre | Election Reactions

Dylan Quinnell from the Climate Media Centre recorded with members of some of Australia's leading climate action groups, the day after the election. This short episode is a great way to listen back on their excitement from the election results, and a great way to get yourself pumped to take action in this new chapter for Australia!

Audio grabs and quotes below:

 

Rural and regional Australians respond to the Federal Election, and what they want to see happen next: 

 

AGRICULTURE

 

Fiona Davis, CEO of Farmers for Climate Action, from regional Victoria, talks about the importance of climate in the election, and the need for stronger climate policies moving forward, to farmers including the organisation's 7,000 supporters. Fiona says we need deep emissions reductions this decade to protect Australian farmers from extreme weather events, and to ensure farmers can continue to produce food for Australins and the world. 

[Audio grabs from Fiona Davis]

 

Charlie Prell, chair of Farmers for Climate Action, and fourth-generation sheep farmer who also hosts wind turbines on his property in Crookwell, NSW talks about how climate change has become an important issue in the bush. He talks about the election, including increased support for Nationals' candidates more progressive on climate, as well as the need for integrity and progressive action in government moving forward. [Audio grabs from Charlie Prell] :

 

BUSHFIRE SURVIVOR

 

Jo Dodds, president of Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action and bushfire survivor from Tathra, NSW South Coast, talks about how the issue of climate change motivated many voters this election. She also talks about the urgency and immediacy of the climate change threat and what she and fellow bushfire survivors want to see from the new government. 

[Audio grabs from Jo Dodds]

 

HEALTH EXPERTS

 

Dr John Van Der Kallen, Chair of Doctors for the Environment Australia, who also specialises in air pollution, from Newcastle, NSW, talks about how people had climate policy at the forefront of their minds after all of the recent extreme weather events. He also talks about how climate change is the greatest health concern for many health professionals as well as calls on the government to do more within the health industry and more broadly. [Audio grabs from Dr John Van Der Kallen]

 

PARENTS

 

Laura Grufas, parent from Ocean Grove, VIC, and member of Parents for Climate Action, calls on the new government to listen to the scientists when it comes to climate change and address parents' immediate and urgent concerns including phasing out fossil fuels including gas. She also talks about embracing the amazing renewable energy opportunities we have in Australia for future generations.

[Audio grabs from Laura Grufas] 

 

Bianca Sands, parent from Hervey Bay, QLD, and member of Parents for Climate Action, talks about how parents voted for their children's futures this election, and welcomes the newly elected government's commitment to end the “climate wars”. She also talks about the great opportunity and potential for Australians, particularly in the rapidly developing clean energy industry.” [Audio grabs from Bianca Sands]

 

Dr Jasper Lee, parent and health care provider from Adelaide, SA, and member of Paren