For Lumen Christi Catholic College student Annalise Pietrowski, whether climate change exists is not in question; the debate is more about what government will do to mitigate its effects.
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It was what promoted her to ask the ABC’s Q&A panel on September 10 when “will we finally get politicians who will act for our future and take meaningful action on climate change”. Out of the hundreds of questions submitted, Annalise’s was one of 14 shortlisted to be asked on the night.
It’s something she talks to her mum about on their walks around Tathra.
“On the day when the fires were at Numbugga I realised this is like our world now, extreme, out of season fires but it’s not being viewed seriously,” she said.
Annalise was part of a 21-strong group of Lumen Christi students who were in the audience for the program which focused on student panellists alongside Opposition Leader in the Senate Penny Wong and National Party deputy leader Bridget McKenzie.
Fellow student Julia Cullenward said it was time for politicians to agree a plan of action.
“There never seems to be a plan passed. Renewable energy would have a positive impact. It’s about realising this is a massive issue,” Julia said.
For Ambrosia Kleber, the day Scott Morrison brought a lump of coal into Parliament was the the day she realised he was “not stepping into a future I want to be part of”.
Annalise said the focus on the coal industry did “so much damage”.
“They have so much power but the earth has to come first,” Annalise said.
As Julia pointed out, “costs won’t matter if the earth is damaged”.
“It’s all too little, too late. We need to take affirmative action,” Annalise added.
Mr Morrison’s love affair with coal wasn’t the only issue for these students; his personal stance against gay marriage and the events leading up to the change of leadership has left them disenchanted with politicians.
While Annalise said she wants some way to achieve change, politics doesn’t appear to be it.
“At this point there is no party I believe in. The issues that young people want addressed are not being addressed,” Annalise said.
As Phillipa Keogh explained this group of students hasn’t seen much political stability.
“The political system is not working as it should. It’s sad to see these issues are affecting the people of Australia and sad to see that politicians who have been elected to represent us can’t agree,” Phillipa said.
Julia said the leadership spill had taken away from much bigger issues, such as climate change.
