HOT FOR SCHOOL

Students clash with leaders on plan to skip school

GOLD Coast students looking to wag school today to join a protest against climate change have hit out at politicians telling them they should be in class.

One student said: “We go to school to learn new information and to build who we are as a person. Striking and protesting does the exact same thing. Students skipping school is not ruining our planet. Climate change is.”

SOME Gold Coast students will today swap the classroom for picket lines in a strike for action on climate change, but government leaders have told them to stay in school.

Dozens of high schoolers are expected to protest outside the office of federal MP Karen Andrews from 10am as part of a global day of action calling on politicians to do better.

Miami High School students Narii and Tadhg Salmon and Lani Gibson will skip school this morning, and said those criticising their decision to dodge class did not understand the gravity of the issue.

“We’re hoping to push people across the globe, including politicians, to take a stand and fight, by expressing concerns about climate change,” Tadhg said. “Climate change will affect us all.”

Narii Salmon said he hoped the strike would inspire other Australians to take action and hit back at people criticising him and others for taking time off school.

“We go to school to learn new information and to build who we are as a person. Striking and protesting does the exact same thing. While being part of the climate action movement I have learnt so much about climate change, democracy, how to protest and how to organise. Students skipping school is not ruining our planet. Climate change is.”

Students are calling for a transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, no new coal or gas and for leaders to stop the Adani coal mine. The movement has copped criticism from many who believe children should not be encouraged to skip school.

Education Minister Grace Grace and State Opposition leader Deb Frecklington both said political points should be made outside of school time.

“Any protest should be done outside of school hours,” Ms Grace said. “School principals will determine what consequences, if any, need to be applied under the school’s responsible behaviour plan.”

Ms Andrews, the LNP Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, said the Coalition Government was taking “sensible and practical action” on climate change.

“I think children should be in class during school hours ... but I do hope those who attend demonstrate peacefully,” she said.