Canberra People's Assembly

Produced by Vivien Langford and Andy Britt

4th May 2020

The climate community converged on Canberra as bush fire smoke still billowed over the lawns. It was a people's assembly to deal with the climate emergency that has now fallen out of the popular news. Emissions have fallen with a global shutdown but the tipping points have already been passed for our great barrier reef and terrestrial biodiversity. 

Lest we forget.

We hear from Veterinarians for Climate Action, moved by the drought affected livestock and wildlife they see. Indigenous leaders calling for water tanks and the fair allocation of water along the Darling/Baaka river. Extinction Rebellion, The Green Institute and Doctors Against War demanding leadership and citizen participation in our democracy to cut through the corruption and ideology. 

We also hear from two politicians who stepped out bravely in front of this well informed crowd. One called us the conscience of the nation another was heckled with the cry; " No more Coal!

 The speakers are:

Tim Hollo on getting more participation in our democracy.

Bruce Shillingsworth on the empty Darling Baaka River.

Mark Butler on ALP Renewables and jobs. Challenged by the assembly calling "No more coal".

Adam Bandt on his first day as leader,taking climate change seriously.

Senator Larissa Waters calling us the conscience of the nation.

Dr Gundi from Vets for climate action about koalas emerging from bush fire zone dehydrated and desperate.

Dr Michael Banyard from Vets for climate action on how farmers are changing as climate changes.

David Maher on Rehydrating the land. He was planting as we spoke down near the Aboriginal tent embassy.

Doctors Against War on taking some world leaders into psychiatric care.

Jane Morton XR on Extinction and why rebelling is vital.

Carmen Modjito Song: Your house is on fire.