STUDENTS HOPE MESSAGE RAINS DOWN ON POLLIES
HUNDREDS of school students have marched through the streets of Hobart in the rain, hoping to send a message to politicians about climate change.
School strikes, organised by students, were held across the
country on Friday, with protesters in Hobart marching from the Regatta Grounds to Parliament Lawns.
Organiser Sam Eccleston said students were passionate about the cause.
“We’ve had a really strong turnout of young people, old people, people of all ages from all across
southern Tasmania who have come out to show the federal government’s 2050 target is not enough,” Mr Eccleston said.
“It needs to be expanded, it needs to be accelerated and it needs to be backed up with solid actions.”
It is the first time in more than a year a march has been able to take place, due to Covid restrictions.
“It makes our message even stronger if we can have a march,” he said. “It takes the message directly to the people, we’re within earshot of lots of businesses.”
Another organiser, Owen Fitzgerald, said many missed school to attend the strike.
“We understand we are still in school, we’re still getting an education but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a say in our own future,” Mr Fitzgerald said. “We had between 400 and 500 people turn up.
“To have a voice is the most empowering thing anyone can have no matter your age.”