WHAT: Independent Senator David Pocock and leaders from Christian, Muslim and Buddhist faiths will hold a press conference calling on the Federal Government to step up its climate action commitments ahead of a likely hot summer.
WHEN: 9:30 am Thursday November 16
WHERE: Mural Hall, Parliament House, Canberra
WHO:
Senator David Pocock
Rev. Sharon Hollis, President of the Uniting Church Assembly
Bishop Philip Huggins, Diocese of Melbourne
Mohamed Mohideen OAM, Vice President of the Islamic Council of Victoria
Rev. Faaimata (Mata) Havea Hiliau, Uniting Church Moderator NSW.ACT
Gawaine Powell Davies, Chair of the NSW Buddhist Council and President of the Federation of Australian Buddhist Councils
(Rabbi Jonathan Keren-Black, OAM, Assembly of Rabbis and Cantors will not be present but will be available by phone)
BACKGROUND (Embargoed until Thursday November 16): Senior faith leaders are in Canberra on Thursday to visit key Ministers and MPs. They’re urging the Government to stop new coal and gas projects in Australia, and to listen to the voices of Pacific Island nations calling for Australia to phase out fossil fuels.
The delegation will be meeting Climate Minister Chris Bowen, Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Shadow Climate Minister Ted O’Brien.
This advocacy mission follows an open letter that more than 100 senior religious leaders from across Australia and the Pacific sent to Prime Minister Albanese last year calling an end to new coal and gas projects. Only one religious leader who signed received a reply.
MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Bradley 0481 064 379/ abradley@uniting.org
PHOTOS: Images of the press conference will be uploaded from 9.30am on Thursday November 16 to this shared drive.
About us:
About the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change:
ARRCC is a multi-faith, member-based Charity, made up of people of faith who are committed to taking action on climate change. We believe that as people dedicated to the common good, inspired by our beliefs and energised by our spirituality, people of all faiths can and should be at the forefront of creating a safe climate. ARRCC acknowledges the special place that Aboriginal peoples, their cultures and spirituality, continue to play in upholding care for the Earth.
Contact details:
Andrew Bradley 0481 064 379/ abradley@uniting.org
Jacqui Street 0498 188 528 / jacqui.street@climatemediacentre.org.au