Seven Canberran community leaders have resigned from a Climate Reference Group organised by Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne, as a protest against the Albanese government’s continued approval of coal and gas mines. This includes four coal expansions approved in December 2024.
“We initially welcomed the decision from Alicia Payne to establish a Climate Reference Group, made up of local environmental and climate advocates,” said Dr. Simon Copland, Executive Director of the Conservation Council ACT Region. “We believe in the importance of working with government to ensure a safe climate for all Australians.”
“It is with deep disappointment that we have made the joint decision to resign from the group. We cannot in good conscience continue to participate in, and implicitly endorse, the Albanese’s Government’s continued disregard for genuine and science-aligned climate action.”
“The Government’s approval of 32 new or expanded coal and gas developments since taking office is a betrayal of the values of Canberrans and the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels to avert climate disaster.”
Amy Blain, Chair Peoples Climate Assembly, Co-Lead of ACF Community Canberra and Electrify Canberra, who previously resigned on 25 September 2024 following approval of coal mines, said:
“Climate change remains the top issue in the Canberra electorate; we expect to be leading the way in climate ambition, as we do at territory level. We are a community that loves our environment, that cares for our children and future generations. Canberrans vote for, and expect, our elected representatives to represent our community on climate strongly, to protect our bush capital from climate catastrophe.”
“We know all too well the impacts of climate change, from the 2003 Canberra Bushfires to the 2019-2020 Summer Bushfires, to the recent Californian wildfires. These unnatural disasters will only worsen unless governments take responsible, urgent action.”
“The Albanese Government has taken positive action to address climate change, particularly with the rollout of renewables and household electrification policies. It’s not an either/or, we must urgently address emissions. Australia’s largest contribution to the climate crisis – its major fossil fuel extraction and export sector – continues to be prioritised, with the interests of coal and gas corporate profits overriding our communities, environment and planet.”
Dr. Copland said that community groups were using the walk out to call on the Government to reject upcoming new fossil fuel project approvals.
“In 2025, the Albanese government has before it a number of major coal and gas approvals awaiting government sign-off, including Woodside’s Burrup Hub/North West Shelf Extension gas project and the proposed Middle Arm Industrial Precinct and Gas Exporting Hub in the Northern Territory. The West Shelf Extension alone, would, if approved, produce over 6 billion tonnes of carbon pollution to 2070. It’s time to turn off the tap for new coal and gas pollution.”
“Our communities and the grassroots organisations we represent urge our elected representatives to uphold Canberra’s values in their federal advocacy. We don’t need tokenistic consultation forums, we need Alicia Payne to use her voice to oppose new coal and gas projects and ensure a safe climate for all Canberrans.”
The community members who have resigned from the group are:
- Dr. Simon Copland (Executive Director, Conservation Council ACT Region)
- Hannah Vardy (Australian Youth Climate Coalition Canberra Facilitator)
- Ruth Ragless (Rising Tide Canberra organiser)
- Anne Gunn (People’s Climate Assembly, committee member)
- Margaret Clough (climate activist with Extinction Rebellion, Rising Tide, previously resigned following the government’s ‘New Gas Strategy, May 2024)
- Amy Blain (Chair Peoples Climate Assembly, Co-Lead of ACF Community Canberra and Electrify Canberra previously resigned on 25 September 2024 following approval of coal mines)
- Geoffrey Nelson (previously resigned on 16 October 2024 due to coal mine approvals)
A copy of the full letter sent by the group is available here.