The end of March was a huge week in pre-election politics, and Greenpeace was in Canberra making an impact for nature and the climate.
We helped ensure fairer process for Scott Reef
As the deadline for a decision on Woodside’s North West Shelf extension got closer, Greenpeace had to decide whether to submit our reconsideration request about the project’s enormous risk to Scott Reef. Despite attacks from Dutton over such requests, we chose to submit it: protecting Scott Reef and ensuring a rigorous decision that is above party politics.
Less than a week later, the Commonwealth delayed the decision until after the election. This extra time will help ensure all of the evidence is considered. You can listen to our head of Climate and Energy, Joe, talking about this on ABC Perth Drive.
We held the Prime Minister accountable for his backflip on promising to end extinctions
The Albanese Government promised to end extinctions, but at the end of March they worked with Peter Dutton’s Coalition to rush through laws that will push the incredible Maugean Skate closer to extinction.
Greenpeace put pressure on Labor to stop the extinction of Tasmania’s Maugean skate through lobbying, media, ads and Greenpeace volunteers talking to voters.
We didn’t win, and this terrible legislation passed through Parliament at the end of March. But we did make it the story all weekend – holding the government to account – and ensuring nature is at the top of the agenda as the Federal Election campaign gets going. We’re going to keep fighting for a Parliament that has protecting climate and nature at its heart.
We called out Dutton’s terrible announcements on gas
Peter Dutton is rolling out his energy plans – and they are bad news for climate and nature. Mr. Dutton has promised ‘bucket-loads of new gas’, to fast-track Woodside’s destructive gas plans for Scott Reef, accelerate the approvals of new fossil fuel projects, and hand out over $1 billion of your tax dollars to gas corporations.
He also wants to scrap emissions standards for cars that Greenpeace supporters fought so hard for just a year ago. And, of course, he is committed to building nuclear power in Australia.
We quickly organised and shared our message via ads, social media videos, and emails from supporters saying the gas plan stinks. Australians want to see a real plan to cut pollution and bills — not more fossil fuels.
We’re working to protect our oceans
Greenpeace was in Jamaica confronting the deep sea mining threat—but Australia still won’t back a global ban. With the election near, we’re pushing harder than ever to halt ocean destruction and ensure Australia ratifies the Global Ocean Treaty while championing large ocean sanctuaries in our region.
Deep sea mining is a highly destructive nascent industry that involves dredging, scraping and cutting the seabed for minerals. 25 nations have already said no to deep sea mining, including the UK, France and New Zealand. Greenpeace is calling on the Albanese government to exhibit leadership on the issue and support a global moratorium on deep sea mining.
What else can you do?
With so much at stake, now is the time to get involved and advocate for people, nature, and the climate. Make sure your voter registration is up to date, encourage young people to enrol and vote, and support campaigns that align with your values.
Not sure where to start? Check out our Election Toolkit for more resources, including climate conversation guides and links to order signs for nature protection and climate action.