Bill voted down

Today, the major parties teamed up in the Senate to vote against the Duty of Care Bill.

Whilst this is hugely disappointing news, it is unfortunately not surprising. The first act of this government was approving one of the largest fossil fuel projects in Australia’s history, the North West Shelf, to continue operating to 2070. And they then voted against the Bill alongside the very same party that challenged the existence of a duty of care on climate in court nearly five years ago.

And although Labor may point fingers across the chamber to blame the Coalition for climate inaction, it’s clear that the major parties are on a unity ticket against ensuring a safe and liveable future for current and future generations.

During the Senate committee inquiry that looked at a duty of care to protect children and young people from climate harm, we heard evidence in support of enshrining a duty in law from doctors, teachers, scientists and grandparents. The petition in favour of a duty of care now has 26,000 signatures. Despite this, the major parties have again sided with the fossil fuel industry to reject accountability and responsibility for the climate harms they are inflicting onto current and future generations. 

Now is when we need you the most. 

So, what can you do?

1. Write to your MP or Senator to express your support for a duty of care to protect children and young people from climate harm. 
2. Share the petition to your networks.
3. Reshare @dutyofcarecampaign posts on Instagram.

This is not the end of the Duty of Care campaign. An independent MLA in South Australia has introduced a Duty of Care Bill into the SA Parliament, and other state and territory campaigns are underway. Please get in touch if you’d like to get involved. 

The tide is turning, and whilst there may not be a duty of care today, there will be one soon.