1 00:00:15,420 --> 00:00:20,420 Hello. It's not often you hear of a school student suing the government, 2 00:00:20,420 --> 00:00:23,180 but Anjali Sharma made headlines around the world 3 00:00:23,180 --> 00:00:23,420 but Anjali Sharma made headlines around the world when she did just that. 4 00:00:23,420 --> 00:00:25,060 when she did just that. 5 00:00:25,060 --> 00:00:28,260 Now the teenager is going head-to-head with politicians 6 00:00:28,260 --> 00:00:28,500 Now the teenager is going to change the law. 7 00:00:28,500 --> 00:00:29,900 to change the law. 8 00:00:29,900 --> 00:00:30,140 It's been a wild ride to change the law. 9 00:00:30,140 --> 00:00:32,940 It's been a wild ride and it's far from over. 10 00:00:39,260 --> 00:00:42,580 ANJALI: Being a young person and doing what you can 11 00:00:42,580 --> 00:00:46,420 to put pressure on government and big polluters is no easy task. 12 00:00:48,140 --> 00:00:51,740 There is so, so much work and emotional energy required 13 00:00:51,740 --> 00:00:55,460 to have those tough conversations and to walk through hallways 14 00:00:55,460 --> 00:00:59,140 where people your age usually don't walk through. 15 00:01:00,940 --> 00:01:04,100 WOMAN: Anjali is like a lot of teenagers 16 00:01:04,100 --> 00:01:06,020 who want the world to be a better place, 17 00:01:06,020 --> 00:01:10,780 and I believe those in power do have a duty of care to young people. 18 00:01:10,780 --> 00:01:13,820 At the age of 16, I sued the government 19 00:01:13,820 --> 00:01:16,820 to protect us from the impacts of climate change. 20 00:01:16,820 --> 00:01:19,300 We have stakes in this conversation. 21 00:01:19,300 --> 00:01:21,020 This is our future. 22 00:01:21,020 --> 00:01:24,900 (CHEERING) 23 00:01:24,900 --> 00:01:28,500 Anjali's really latched on to that concept 24 00:01:28,500 --> 00:01:33,300 that adults should take care of children and take care of matters 25 00:01:33,300 --> 00:01:34,980 that will affect them in the future. 26 00:01:36,620 --> 00:01:39,740 MAN: The crazy idea in Parliament this week, 27 00:01:39,740 --> 00:01:40,020 that governments should have a duty of care to the next generation MAN: The crazy idea in Parliament this week, 28 00:01:40,020 --> 00:01:42,620 that governments should have a duty of care to the next generation 29 00:01:42,620 --> 00:01:42,860 that governments should have a duty when deciding legislation. 30 00:01:42,860 --> 00:01:45,340 when deciding legislation. 31 00:01:45,340 --> 00:01:45,580 when deciding legislation. I personally don't think we need a bill or a court ruling 32 00:01:45,580 --> 00:01:49,900 I personally don't think we need a bill or a court ruling 33 00:01:49,900 --> 00:01:53,300 to tell me as a legislator that I have a duty of care. 34 00:01:53,300 --> 00:01:55,580 The Australian people tell me that every three years. 35 00:01:55,580 --> 00:01:58,900 I really hope that the government will come to the table 36 00:01:58,900 --> 00:01:59,140 I really hope that the government with a constructive and open mind. 37 00:01:59,140 --> 00:02:01,380 with a constructive and open mind. 38 00:02:01,380 --> 00:02:01,620 It's a lot of responsibility, with a constructive and open mind. 39 00:02:01,620 --> 00:02:04,860 It's a lot of responsibility, and there's immense expectations 40 00:02:04,860 --> 00:02:07,100 that are being placed upon her shoulders. 41 00:02:07,100 --> 00:02:07,340 that are being placed MAN: The types of commentary 42 00:02:07,340 --> 00:02:08,860 MAN: The types of commentary 43 00:02:08,860 --> 00:02:13,220 and the types of attacks on her were horrible. 44 00:02:13,220 --> 00:02:15,100 MAN: I don't want to be aggressive with you, but if you're going to 45 00:02:15,100 --> 00:02:15,340 MAN: I don't want to be aggressive throw that out there... 46 00:02:15,340 --> 00:02:16,100 throw that out there... 47 00:02:16,100 --> 00:02:18,580 And what year are you in, by the way? About 10, 11? 48 00:02:18,580 --> 00:02:23,500 I remember feeling incredibly dejected, incredibly, um, hopeless. 49 00:02:23,500 --> 00:02:27,100 But that being said, it's also incredibly rewarding. 50 00:02:27,100 --> 00:02:29,820 And seeing what young people can do when empowered 51 00:02:29,820 --> 00:02:33,100 and given even a smidgin of the tools needed to make a difference, 52 00:02:33,100 --> 00:02:33,340 and given even a smidgin of the tools has been amazing. 53 00:02:33,340 --> 00:02:34,660 has been amazing. 54 00:02:46,340 --> 00:02:48,580 Let's go. Good girl. 55 00:02:50,740 --> 00:02:53,980 This way, this way. Come here. Come on. 56 00:02:53,980 --> 00:02:54,220 This way, this way. Come here. ANJALI: Over the last three years, 57 00:02:54,220 --> 00:02:55,260 ANJALI: Over the last three years, 58 00:02:55,260 --> 00:02:58,620 there's been heaps of moments where I've kind of just wished 59 00:02:58,620 --> 00:02:58,860 there's been heaps of moments that I could be a teenager... 60 00:02:58,860 --> 00:03:00,540 that I could be a teenager... 61 00:03:00,540 --> 00:03:01,500 Give me the ball. Give me the ball. 62 00:03:01,500 --> 00:03:06,020 ..who, you know, focuses on the next exam coming up or the next party... 63 00:03:06,020 --> 00:03:06,260 ..who, you know, focuses on the next Good girl. 64 00:03:06,260 --> 00:03:07,020 Good girl. 65 00:03:07,020 --> 00:03:07,260 ..and, you know, doesn't have that sense of, Good girl. 66 00:03:07,260 --> 00:03:10,140 ..and, you know, doesn't have that sense of, 67 00:03:10,140 --> 00:03:12,380 um, overwhelming worry about the world. 68 00:03:12,380 --> 00:03:14,060 That would be quite nice. 69 00:03:14,060 --> 00:03:14,260 That would be quite nice. Catch. Good girl. 70 00:03:14,260 --> 00:03:16,980 Catch. Good girl. 71 00:03:16,980 --> 00:03:20,260 I come home to Melbourne every uni break... 72 00:03:20,260 --> 00:03:20,500 I come home to Melbourne Catch. 73 00:03:20,500 --> 00:03:21,260 Catch. 74 00:03:21,260 --> 00:03:21,500 ..because I miss my mum Catch. 75 00:03:21,500 --> 00:03:23,140 ..because I miss my mum and my brother a lot 76 00:03:23,140 --> 00:03:23,380 ..because I miss my mum when I'm up in Canberra. 77 00:03:23,380 --> 00:03:24,380 when I'm up in Canberra. 78 00:03:24,380 --> 00:03:26,780 Come on, let's go inside. Let's go. 79 00:03:26,780 --> 00:03:28,820 WOMAN: Anjali and myself, we are very close. 80 00:03:28,820 --> 00:03:29,100 And, of course, when she decided to go to Canberra, it was not easy. WOMAN: Anjali and myself, we are very close. 81 00:03:29,100 --> 00:03:35,540 And, of course, when she decided to go to Canberra, it was not easy. 82 00:03:35,540 --> 00:03:35,820 And, of course, when she decided to go to Canberra, it was not easy. But I knew that she has some goal for herself. 83 00:03:35,820 --> 00:03:40,460 But I knew that she has some goal for herself. 84 00:03:40,460 --> 00:03:40,700 But I knew that she has Good girl. Come on. 85 00:03:40,700 --> 00:03:43,300 Good girl. Come on. 86 00:03:43,300 --> 00:03:46,580 ANJALI: There can be weeks where it feels like my entire life 87 00:03:46,580 --> 00:03:51,300 is just emails and phone calls about the Duty Of Care campaign. 88 00:03:51,300 --> 00:03:55,820 What are you doing? Just answering some emails. 89 00:03:55,820 --> 00:03:59,420 ARCHANA: Sometimes I have noticed that she's not able to switch off, 90 00:03:59,420 --> 00:04:02,460 so I tell her, "You are back, you just turn it off. 91 00:04:02,460 --> 00:04:02,700 so I tell her, "You are back, "You know, just relax." 92 00:04:02,700 --> 00:04:04,940 "You know, just relax." 93 00:04:04,940 --> 00:04:06,660 Thank you. 94 00:04:06,660 --> 00:04:06,900 ANJALI: Seeing what my family Thank you. 95 00:04:06,900 --> 00:04:09,660 ANJALI: Seeing what my family in India has gone through 96 00:04:09,660 --> 00:04:14,340 for the last few years was what first evoked that sense of injustice 97 00:04:14,340 --> 00:04:18,340 and that sense of passion within me to make a difference. 98 00:04:24,060 --> 00:04:26,340 I've been back to India five times 99 00:04:26,340 --> 00:04:26,580 since we migrated I've been back to India five times 100 00:04:26,580 --> 00:04:29,060 since we migrated when I was 10 months old. 101 00:04:32,020 --> 00:04:35,180 My family is from a place called Lucknow, in India, 102 00:04:35,180 --> 00:04:39,300 which is a few hundred kilometres outside of the capital of Delhi. 103 00:04:41,260 --> 00:04:44,180 It's got less of the hustle and bustle of the city 104 00:04:44,180 --> 00:04:44,420 It's got less of the hustle and more of the community feel. 105 00:04:44,420 --> 00:04:45,860 and more of the community feel. 106 00:04:45,860 --> 00:04:47,820 Everyone knows everyone's names. 107 00:04:47,820 --> 00:04:52,940 (MEN SHOUT) 108 00:04:52,940 --> 00:04:56,540 There's stray dogs on the street, and there's cows. 109 00:04:56,540 --> 00:04:58,100 But, you know, it's home, 110 00:04:58,100 --> 00:05:00,580 and that's kind of what home has always been to me. 111 00:05:05,060 --> 00:05:07,860 MAN: How are you feeling? First time, six years. 112 00:05:07,860 --> 00:05:09,140 Six years? It's been a while. 113 00:05:09,140 --> 00:05:12,020 How was the travel? Long. Very long. 114 00:05:12,020 --> 00:05:16,180 ARCHANA: All her cousins and her aunties and uncles, 115 00:05:16,180 --> 00:05:19,340 I really want them to know what she's doing. 116 00:05:19,340 --> 00:05:19,580 I really want them to know How has the campaign gone so far? 117 00:05:19,580 --> 00:05:21,900 How has the campaign gone so far? 118 00:05:21,900 --> 00:05:22,140 It's turned into a very, How has the campaign gone so far? 119 00:05:22,140 --> 00:05:25,340 It's turned into a very, very big thing in Australia. 120 00:05:25,340 --> 00:05:27,860 Like, all the politicians know about it, 121 00:05:27,860 --> 00:05:30,220 it's been in the news a lot, 122 00:05:30,220 --> 00:05:33,340 ANJALI: And I think that they do take an interest in it 123 00:05:33,340 --> 00:05:37,500 because over the last few years, the impacts of climate change in India 124 00:05:37,500 --> 00:05:38,900 have been quite devastating, 125 00:05:38,900 --> 00:05:42,580 and my family in particular have most significantly 126 00:05:42,580 --> 00:05:42,820 and my family in particular been impacted by heatwaves. 127 00:05:42,820 --> 00:05:45,060 been impacted by heatwaves. 128 00:05:45,060 --> 00:05:46,900 OK, first time. 129 00:05:46,900 --> 00:05:49,060 Football skills there. 130 00:05:49,060 --> 00:05:49,300 MAN: It's constantly, Football skills there. 131 00:05:49,300 --> 00:05:51,780 MAN: It's constantly, like, the temperature, 132 00:05:51,780 --> 00:05:52,020 MAN: It's constantly, it will rise to such a extreme. 133 00:05:52,020 --> 00:05:54,820 it will rise to such a extreme. 134 00:05:57,420 --> 00:06:00,340 It used to be 35, then it's going to 40. 135 00:06:00,340 --> 00:06:01,540 So, yeah, it's rising. 136 00:06:01,540 --> 00:06:04,140 And I think we are in the midst of a crisis 137 00:06:04,140 --> 00:06:04,380 And I think we are in the midst of a crisis and the people don't know about it. 138 00:06:04,380 --> 00:06:06,060 and the people don't know about it. 139 00:06:08,620 --> 00:06:13,340 ANJALI: The heatwave that occurred in India in 2022, 140 00:06:13,340 --> 00:06:16,820 I heard horrific stories of asphalt melting, 141 00:06:16,820 --> 00:06:17,060 I heard horrific stories of birds falling out of the sky. 142 00:06:17,060 --> 00:06:18,940 of birds falling out of the sky. 143 00:06:18,940 --> 00:06:22,740 And also rubbish tips catching fire. 144 00:06:25,220 --> 00:06:29,260 The last two years, many people lost their lives because of heatwaves. 145 00:06:29,260 --> 00:06:33,020 And then flood came and we saw that, you know, the trees going, 146 00:06:33,020 --> 00:06:39,180 the electric poles and powerlines are just flowing in the water. 147 00:06:44,340 --> 00:06:47,900 Looking back on it now, I would have been around 12 or 13 148 00:06:47,900 --> 00:06:52,260 when I first began to draw a link between what I was seeing happen 149 00:06:52,260 --> 00:06:52,540 when I first began to draw a link between what I was seeing happen in India and the words "climate change". 150 00:06:52,540 --> 00:06:55,260 in India and the words "climate change". 151 00:06:55,260 --> 00:06:57,900 That was something I'd never done up until that point. 152 00:07:06,900 --> 00:07:10,420 ARCHANA: I remember towards the end of primary school, 153 00:07:10,420 --> 00:07:13,660 Anjali started researching more about climate. 154 00:07:13,660 --> 00:07:16,180 WOMAN: (ON COMPUTER) Scientists believe it's human activity 155 00:07:16,180 --> 00:07:17,900 that's driving the temperatures up. 156 00:07:19,100 --> 00:07:22,980 I remember watching a video that talked me through 157 00:07:22,980 --> 00:07:24,820 why global warming needed to be limited 158 00:07:24,820 --> 00:07:27,820 to 1.5 degrees above prehistoric levels, 159 00:07:27,820 --> 00:07:30,860 and the difference between that and two degrees of warming. 160 00:07:30,860 --> 00:07:33,860 A concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere 161 00:07:33,860 --> 00:07:34,100 A concentration of greenhouse will continue to rise. 162 00:07:34,100 --> 00:07:35,780 will continue to rise. 163 00:07:35,780 --> 00:07:36,020 The extent of those impacts shocked will continue to rise. 164 00:07:36,020 --> 00:07:41,540 The extent of those impacts shocked me really, really significantly. 165 00:07:41,540 --> 00:07:46,100 ARCHANA: So she started kind of educating all of us. 166 00:07:46,980 --> 00:07:49,660 You leave the room, you turn the light off. 167 00:07:49,660 --> 00:07:54,980 You don't leave the tap open when you are brushing your teeth. 168 00:07:54,980 --> 00:07:55,260 You don't leave the tap open when you are brushing your teeth. I like to take credit for radicalising my mum. 169 00:07:55,260 --> 00:07:58,180 I like to take credit for radicalising my mum. 170 00:07:58,180 --> 00:08:00,700 It's a bit of a joke in the family, but I do 171 00:08:00,700 --> 00:08:04,180 like to think that a lot of my beliefs have influenced hers. 172 00:08:05,540 --> 00:08:08,580 So we all, I think, grew along with Anjali 173 00:08:08,580 --> 00:08:12,220 because she really stood up just leading all of us. 174 00:08:13,340 --> 00:08:17,620 And she also became part of Youth Climate Movement, 175 00:08:17,620 --> 00:08:19,580 which was just taking off. 176 00:08:19,580 --> 00:08:19,820 ALL: What do we want? which was just taking off. 177 00:08:19,820 --> 00:08:21,260 ALL: What do we want? Climate action! 178 00:08:21,260 --> 00:08:21,500 ALL: What do we want? When do we want it? Now! 179 00:08:21,500 --> 00:08:22,740 When do we want it? Now! 180 00:08:22,740 --> 00:08:25,740 What do we want? Climate action! When do we want it? Now! 181 00:08:25,740 --> 00:08:25,980 What do we want? Climate action! (CHANTING CONTINUES) 182 00:08:25,980 --> 00:08:30,420 (CHANTING CONTINUES) 183 00:08:30,420 --> 00:08:30,660 The Youth Climate Movement really kicked off in Australia (CHANTING CONTINUES) 184 00:08:30,660 --> 00:08:34,060 The Youth Climate Movement really kicked off in Australia 185 00:08:34,060 --> 00:08:38,060 towards the end of 2018, when the first school strikes happened. 186 00:08:38,060 --> 00:08:38,340 towards the end of 2018, when the first school strikes happened. ANJALI: I remember watching initial videos of the school climate strikes 187 00:08:38,340 --> 00:08:40,900 ANJALI: I remember watching initial videos of the school climate strikes 188 00:08:40,900 --> 00:08:43,780 and thinking that they were incredibly powerful. 189 00:08:46,460 --> 00:08:49,620 MAN: In the world of climate change and the climate wars that we've had, 190 00:08:49,620 --> 00:08:52,380 Australia was considered to be a bit of a laggard, 191 00:08:52,380 --> 00:08:55,940 and then the whole movement of young people really took hold 192 00:08:55,940 --> 00:08:56,180 because it put that focus on and then the whole movement of young people really took hold 193 00:08:56,180 --> 00:08:57,220 because it put that focus on 194 00:08:57,220 --> 00:09:00,620 it isn't just about today, it is about the future. 195 00:09:00,620 --> 00:09:00,860 it isn't just about today, it is about the future. Kids need to lead on climate change 196 00:09:00,860 --> 00:09:03,460 Kids need to lead on climate change 197 00:09:03,460 --> 00:09:05,860 because the adults are failing. 198 00:09:05,860 --> 00:09:09,700 (CHEERING) 199 00:09:09,700 --> 00:09:12,580 DAISY: But I think everyone remembers the government's response 200 00:09:12,580 --> 00:09:12,820 DAISY: But I think everyone remembers to that initial school strike. 201 00:09:12,820 --> 00:09:14,460 to that initial school strike. 202 00:09:14,460 --> 00:09:14,700 What we want is more learning in schools to that initial school strike. 203 00:09:14,700 --> 00:09:16,980 What we want is more learning in schools 204 00:09:16,980 --> 00:09:19,020 and less activism in schools. 205 00:09:19,020 --> 00:09:22,380 Even better, put your fingers on the keyboard 206 00:09:22,380 --> 00:09:25,300 and send your local parliamentarian an email, 207 00:09:25,300 --> 00:09:25,580 and send your local parliamentarian an email, get on with your studies and prepare yourself for future life. 208 00:09:25,580 --> 00:09:28,940 get on with your studies and prepare yourself for future life. 209 00:09:33,380 --> 00:09:36,020 Politicians say, "Oh well, the kids should be in school. 210 00:09:36,020 --> 00:09:38,540 "They shouldn't be out in the street protesting." 211 00:09:38,540 --> 00:09:41,460 We sort of all went, "Well, bugger that, we're going out anyway." 212 00:09:44,340 --> 00:09:47,340 Let's show them today that we will not stand by. 213 00:09:47,340 --> 00:09:51,100 We will not let our government stand by as our future burns. 214 00:09:51,100 --> 00:09:51,340 We will not let our government (CHEERING) 215 00:09:51,340 --> 00:09:55,140 (CHEERING) 216 00:09:59,180 --> 00:10:03,460 When I was 14, I'd helped organise the school strikes down in Melbourne 217 00:10:03,460 --> 00:10:05,700 and they were massive. 218 00:10:08,140 --> 00:10:10,620 There were grandparents and there were farmers, 219 00:10:10,620 --> 00:10:13,900 and there were miners, and there were people from all walks of life 220 00:10:13,900 --> 00:10:15,540 supporting our cause. 221 00:10:17,100 --> 00:10:19,860 I don't think I've ever felt more powerful as a young person, 222 00:10:19,860 --> 00:10:24,420 and I knew that I wanted to dedicate much of my life to that cause. 223 00:10:24,420 --> 00:10:28,540 Such a huge demonstration of public support 224 00:10:28,540 --> 00:10:30,300 for ambitious climate action, 225 00:10:30,300 --> 00:10:33,260 and we thought, "Government can't possibly ignore this." 226 00:10:33,260 --> 00:10:35,460 MAN: Well, there really was a massive turnout, 227 00:10:35,460 --> 00:10:38,340 but very few politicians bothered to even address the issue. 228 00:10:38,340 --> 00:10:38,580 but very few politicians bothered What does that tell you? 229 00:10:38,580 --> 00:10:39,380 What does that tell you? 230 00:10:39,380 --> 00:10:39,620 It shows you that our government What does that tell you? 231 00:10:39,620 --> 00:10:42,180 It shows you that our government is prioritising 232 00:10:42,180 --> 00:10:42,420 It shows you that our government economic profit over our future. 233 00:10:42,420 --> 00:10:45,300 economic profit over our future. 234 00:10:45,300 --> 00:10:47,820 ANJALI: Even though we managed to get people onto the streets of Melbourne 235 00:10:47,820 --> 00:10:48,100 and 300,000 nationally, none of the actual policy changes ANJALI: Even though we managed to get people onto the streets of Melbourne 236 00:10:48,100 --> 00:10:51,980 and 300,000 nationally, none of the actual policy changes 237 00:10:51,980 --> 00:10:54,220 that we were advocating for were implemented. 238 00:10:55,220 --> 00:10:56,900 WOMAN: (ON RECORDING) There were climate strikes 239 00:10:56,900 --> 00:10:57,140 WOMAN: (ON RECORDING) right around the country. 240 00:10:57,140 --> 00:10:58,060 right around the country. 241 00:10:58,060 --> 00:11:02,660 Organisers estimate 300,000 joined the protest. 242 00:11:02,660 --> 00:11:04,980 Our small team of lawyers were watching the school strike 243 00:11:04,980 --> 00:11:07,700 for climate movement, and we understood 244 00:11:07,700 --> 00:11:07,980 one of their key asks was for no new coalmines. for climate movement, and we understood 245 00:11:07,980 --> 00:11:10,620 one of their key asks was for no new coalmines. 246 00:11:10,620 --> 00:11:14,140 And we were thinking about that as lawyers, 247 00:11:14,140 --> 00:11:14,420 And we were thinking about that as lawyers, we were interested to see whether they wanted to bring a case 248 00:11:14,420 --> 00:11:18,780 we were interested to see whether they wanted to bring a case 249 00:11:18,780 --> 00:11:21,340 that would challenge the federal minister's 250 00:11:21,340 --> 00:11:21,580 that would challenge possible approval of a coalmine, 251 00:11:21,580 --> 00:11:22,940 possible approval of a coalmine, 252 00:11:22,940 --> 00:11:26,660 on the basis that she had a duty of care to avoid harming children. 253 00:11:26,660 --> 00:11:29,340 And they were looking for young people to participate 254 00:11:29,340 --> 00:11:29,580 And they were looking for and engage in that process. 255 00:11:29,580 --> 00:11:31,580 and engage in that process. 256 00:11:33,900 --> 00:11:37,380 I had no second thoughts about jumping on board. 257 00:11:39,780 --> 00:11:43,700 Essentially, we were trying to stop the then Environment Minister, 258 00:11:43,700 --> 00:11:47,540 Sussan Ley, from approving the extension of a coalmine 259 00:11:47,540 --> 00:11:47,780 Sussan Ley, from approving called the Vickery Extension Project, 260 00:11:47,780 --> 00:11:49,660 called the Vickery Extension Project, 261 00:11:49,660 --> 00:11:52,220 located in the mining region of New South Wales. 262 00:11:56,140 --> 00:12:01,420 As the lead litigant, the case was essentially in my name. 263 00:12:01,420 --> 00:12:02,860 WOMAN: The case became known as 264 00:12:02,860 --> 00:12:07,580 the Sharma Versus The Minister For The Environment. 265 00:12:07,580 --> 00:12:12,140 So she did become, in some ways, the face of the case. 266 00:12:13,740 --> 00:12:17,820 I became involved when David Barnden rang me up. 267 00:12:17,820 --> 00:12:18,100 The students, being under 18, couldn't represent themselves, I became involved when David Barnden rang me up. 268 00:12:18,100 --> 00:12:22,460 The students, being under 18, couldn't represent themselves, 269 00:12:22,460 --> 00:12:26,820 and so they had to search around for someone who was over 18. 270 00:12:28,020 --> 00:12:30,940 ANJALI: Sister Brigid previously acted as litigation guardian 271 00:12:30,940 --> 00:12:35,700 many, many times, but that was in the context of asylum seekers. 272 00:12:36,780 --> 00:12:40,020 She really, really believed in the concept 273 00:12:40,020 --> 00:12:40,260 She really, really believed of empowering young people. 274 00:12:40,260 --> 00:12:41,860 of empowering young people. 275 00:12:44,220 --> 00:12:47,140 BRIGID: I'm quite passionate about the issue in itself. 276 00:12:47,140 --> 00:12:50,940 I used to be a science teacher, so I couldn't help but think 277 00:12:50,940 --> 00:12:54,940 I wished I'd had some of these young students in my classes. 278 00:12:54,940 --> 00:12:59,060 DAVID: As soon as we filed the proceedings back in September 2020, 279 00:12:59,060 --> 00:12:59,300 DAVID: As soon as we filed the there was immediate media interest. 280 00:12:59,300 --> 00:13:01,540 there was immediate media interest. 281 00:13:01,540 --> 00:13:06,060 We had eight young people and an 86-year-old nun. 282 00:13:06,060 --> 00:13:08,260 There'd been no case like this before. 283 00:13:08,260 --> 00:13:08,540 Teen Green And The Nun has a pretty great ring to it as a title. There'd been no case like this before. 284 00:13:08,540 --> 00:13:12,380 Teen Green And The Nun has a pretty great ring to it as a title. 285 00:13:12,380 --> 00:13:12,660 Teen Green And The Nun has a pretty great ring to it as a title. Have you thought about scripting this into a TV show 286 00:13:12,660 --> 00:13:15,220 Have you thought about scripting this into a TV show 287 00:13:15,220 --> 00:13:15,460 Have you thought about scripting or even a feature film? 288 00:13:15,460 --> 00:13:17,700 or even a feature film? 289 00:13:17,700 --> 00:13:17,940 Well, that's going a bit far, or even a feature film? 290 00:13:17,940 --> 00:13:19,820 Well, that's going a bit far, I think. 291 00:13:19,820 --> 00:13:21,980 The next avenue for change - first protest, 292 00:13:21,980 --> 00:13:22,220 The next avenue for change - then courtroom, then a TV show. 293 00:13:22,220 --> 00:13:23,940 then courtroom, then a TV show. 294 00:13:23,940 --> 00:13:25,020 Who knows? 295 00:13:29,220 --> 00:13:33,020 I went to the court for the first day of the hearings, 296 00:13:33,020 --> 00:13:38,500 and that was one of the first times I've ever been to a court. 297 00:13:38,500 --> 00:13:41,300 Being a young person there on a day off from Year 11, 298 00:13:41,300 --> 00:13:43,620 it was more so intimidating than anything else. 299 00:13:43,620 --> 00:13:48,820 Just everyone seemed so tall, everyone seemed so well dressed. 300 00:13:48,820 --> 00:13:53,180 And, you know, I was wondering how I'd ended up there 301 00:13:53,180 --> 00:13:53,420 And, you know, I was wondering and what I was doing. 302 00:13:53,420 --> 00:13:54,620 and what I was doing. 303 00:13:57,060 --> 00:13:59,380 ARCHANA: After the first day of court case, 304 00:13:59,380 --> 00:14:02,940 Anjali followed the live stream from her school. 305 00:14:05,100 --> 00:14:08,900 Anjali would come into school early and find an empty classroom, 306 00:14:08,900 --> 00:14:13,540 where she could log on to a Zoom call to be able to do a podcast 307 00:14:13,540 --> 00:14:13,820 where she could log on to a Zoom call to be able to do a podcast to explain what was happening in her case, 308 00:14:13,820 --> 00:14:15,780 to explain what was happening in her case, 309 00:14:15,780 --> 00:14:18,060 and then would have to turn around 15 minutes later 310 00:14:18,060 --> 00:14:18,300 and then would have to turn around and go and attend an English class. 311 00:14:18,300 --> 00:14:20,620 and go and attend an English class. 312 00:14:20,620 --> 00:14:23,540 Now, if global warming is all about the science, 313 00:14:23,540 --> 00:14:26,100 why do global warming activists keep getting children 314 00:14:26,100 --> 00:14:26,340 why do global warming activists to push their wild claims? 315 00:14:26,340 --> 00:14:28,140 to push their wild claims? 316 00:14:28,140 --> 00:14:29,900 There was a lot of media criticism. 317 00:14:29,900 --> 00:14:31,740 "These young people are naive. 318 00:14:31,740 --> 00:14:33,180 "They're being controlled by the lawyers. 319 00:14:33,180 --> 00:14:33,460 "They're being controlled "They're being controlled by their parents. by the lawyers. 320 00:14:33,460 --> 00:14:34,740 "They're being controlled by their parents. 321 00:14:34,740 --> 00:14:35,020 "They're being controlled "They're being controlled by their parents. by the renewable energy companies. 322 00:14:35,020 --> 00:14:38,540 "They're being controlled by the renewable energy companies. 323 00:14:38,540 --> 00:14:40,900 I don't know the inner workings of the legal system, 324 00:14:40,900 --> 00:14:44,220 so I have relied on the help of lawyers. 325 00:14:44,220 --> 00:14:44,460 so I have relied on Nobody's pressuring me to do this. 326 00:14:44,460 --> 00:14:45,620 Nobody's pressuring me to do this. 327 00:14:45,620 --> 00:14:48,420 I've got so many other ways I could be spending my time. 328 00:14:49,940 --> 00:14:54,340 ARCHANA: They are aware of what's going on and what needs to be done, 329 00:14:54,340 --> 00:14:54,620 and they are standing up for themselves and for other people. ARCHANA: They are aware of what's going on and what needs to be done, 330 00:14:54,620 --> 00:14:57,740 and they are standing up for themselves and for other people. 331 00:15:00,980 --> 00:15:05,500 The young people, they desperately wanted this case to win, 332 00:15:05,500 --> 00:15:05,740 The young people, they desperately desperately wanted it. 333 00:15:05,740 --> 00:15:07,060 desperately wanted it. 334 00:15:08,900 --> 00:15:11,740 As a much, much older person, 335 00:15:11,740 --> 00:15:11,980 I couldn't help thinking, "Oh, I hope they're not too let down." As a much, much older person, 336 00:15:11,980 --> 00:15:16,300 I couldn't help thinking, "Oh, I hope they're not too let down." 337 00:15:16,300 --> 00:15:19,660 ANJALI: In mid 2021, the judge handed down his decision. 338 00:15:20,820 --> 00:15:24,860 I was watching the live stream from my Year 11 economics class, 339 00:15:24,860 --> 00:15:25,100 I was watching the live stream and it was quite surprising. 340 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:26,740 and it was quite surprising. 341 00:15:26,740 --> 00:15:28,380 There are features of the relationship 342 00:15:28,380 --> 00:15:30,300 between the Minister and the children 343 00:15:30,300 --> 00:15:33,020 which favour the recognition of a common law duty of care. 344 00:15:33,020 --> 00:15:36,340 DAVID: The judge didn't issue an injunction to stop the coalmine, 345 00:15:36,340 --> 00:15:39,140 because he couldn't be sure the minister would actually 346 00:15:39,140 --> 00:15:39,380 because he couldn't be sure breach her duty. 347 00:15:39,380 --> 00:15:40,580 breach her duty. 348 00:15:42,260 --> 00:15:46,540 However, the judge decided that there was a duty of care 349 00:15:46,540 --> 00:15:49,900 that the minister owed to children, and it was the first time 350 00:15:49,900 --> 00:15:52,700 that the Federal Court had considered it and accepted it. 351 00:15:52,700 --> 00:15:55,900 NEWSREADER: A class action by a group of Australian school students 352 00:15:55,900 --> 00:16:00,140 has set a legal precedent, which experts say could have widespread 353 00:16:00,140 --> 00:16:02,780 ramifications for climate change policy. 354 00:16:02,780 --> 00:16:06,340 To have a court rule in favour of us felt incredibly validating. 355 00:16:06,340 --> 00:16:08,540 It felt like, you know, we'd been fighting for this 356 00:16:08,540 --> 00:16:11,940 for years and years through the school strikes. 357 00:16:11,940 --> 00:16:12,180 for years and years through DAVID: It is a historic judgement. 358 00:16:12,180 --> 00:16:14,420 DAVID: It is a historic judgement. 359 00:16:14,420 --> 00:16:15,780 So, this is an amazing decision. 360 00:16:15,780 --> 00:16:18,260 It's the first time in the world that such a duty 361 00:16:18,260 --> 00:16:20,780 has been recognised. 362 00:16:20,780 --> 00:16:22,500 WOMAN: I didn't agree with the judgement. 363 00:16:22,500 --> 00:16:22,740 No final orders have been made, WOMAN: I didn't agree with the judgement. 364 00:16:22,740 --> 00:16:25,740 No final orders have been made, 365 00:16:25,740 --> 00:16:29,460 and both I and my department are considering the judgement. 366 00:16:30,660 --> 00:16:32,660 DAVID: Cartoons were made about the trial. 367 00:16:32,660 --> 00:16:36,620 We were approached by documentary makers and people wanting to make 368 00:16:36,620 --> 00:16:41,060 drama series out of it, Anjali's had her phone ringing nonstop. 369 00:16:44,660 --> 00:16:47,620 ANJALI: The joy of that court victory lasted about two months, 370 00:16:47,620 --> 00:16:50,660 before the government announced their intention to argue 371 00:16:50,660 --> 00:16:54,180 that they didn't, in fact, owe us a duty of care. 372 00:17:01,300 --> 00:17:06,220 The appeal was heard in October of 2021. 373 00:17:06,220 --> 00:17:08,940 Yeah, we're going to know any minute, yeah. 374 00:17:08,940 --> 00:17:09,180 Yeah, we're going to know Which is quite scary, isn't it? 375 00:17:09,180 --> 00:17:10,780 Which is quite scary, isn't it? 376 00:17:12,180 --> 00:17:14,940 NEWSREADER: The Federal Court has ruled that the Environment Minister 377 00:17:14,940 --> 00:17:18,140 does not have a duty of care to young people 378 00:17:18,140 --> 00:17:18,380 does not have a duty of care when assessing fossil fuel projects. 379 00:17:18,380 --> 00:17:20,380 when assessing fossil fuel projects. 380 00:17:22,540 --> 00:17:24,780 ANJALI: I remember sitting on the floor of the Federal Court, 381 00:17:24,780 --> 00:17:27,820 hand in hand with my fellow litigants, 382 00:17:27,820 --> 00:17:32,860 and as soon as the court...the judges said that they wouldn't be imposing 383 00:17:32,860 --> 00:17:37,420 the duty of care, I remember them completely breaking down into tears. 384 00:17:41,860 --> 00:17:44,500 The Appeal Court accepted the Minister's argument 385 00:17:44,500 --> 00:17:44,740 that it was the domain of Parliament The Appeal Court accepted the Minister's argument 386 00:17:44,740 --> 00:17:48,020 that it was the domain of Parliament 387 00:17:48,020 --> 00:17:50,820 to impose or not impose a duty of care. 388 00:17:50,820 --> 00:17:51,100 to impose or not impose a duty of care. I would say to young people what I have just said, 389 00:17:51,100 --> 00:17:53,060 I would say to young people what I have just said, 390 00:17:53,060 --> 00:17:55,940 that I take my responsibilities very seriously, 391 00:17:55,940 --> 00:17:57,300 my statutory responsibilities, 392 00:17:57,300 --> 00:17:59,780 in protecting the environment under the act. 393 00:17:59,780 --> 00:18:01,500 MAN: So, are you guys going to keep fighting? 394 00:18:01,500 --> 00:18:03,420 The fight for climate justice never stops, 395 00:18:03,420 --> 00:18:05,340 no matter what the federal court hands down. 396 00:18:05,340 --> 00:18:05,620 Anjali Sharma, what's your response to today's ruling? no matter what the federal court hands down. 397 00:18:05,620 --> 00:18:08,940 Anjali Sharma, what's your response to today's ruling? 398 00:18:08,940 --> 00:18:13,020 Um, I can't lie, I'm absolutely devastated and really, really angry. 399 00:18:13,020 --> 00:18:13,260 Um, I can't lie, I'm absolutely devastated and really, really angry. Yeah, we aren't old enough to vote, 400 00:18:13,260 --> 00:18:14,540 Yeah, we aren't old enough to vote, 401 00:18:14,540 --> 00:18:16,740 and it devastates me because I feel... 402 00:18:16,740 --> 00:18:19,740 MATTHEW: As the lead litigant, she had to defend her position, 403 00:18:19,740 --> 00:18:23,260 and she had to do it all in the moment when... 404 00:18:23,260 --> 00:18:25,180 ..which is an incredibly difficult thing to do. 405 00:18:28,380 --> 00:18:31,420 ARCHANA: I'm keeping all the articles off Anjali's work, 406 00:18:31,420 --> 00:18:34,660 and not all of them are positive. 407 00:18:34,660 --> 00:18:38,900 Yes, this article, the headline already is quite like patronising - 408 00:18:38,900 --> 00:18:39,140 Yes, this article, the headline "Schoolgirl will strike 409 00:18:39,140 --> 00:18:41,380 "Schoolgirl will strike 410 00:18:41,380 --> 00:18:44,820 "from her $25,000 a year private school in protest." 411 00:18:44,820 --> 00:18:48,460 It draws attention to my school fees, 412 00:18:48,460 --> 00:18:51,940 like, to make me out as a very privileged, very spoilt person. 413 00:18:51,940 --> 00:18:52,220 And that actually, I think, really hurt her like, to make me out as a very privileged, very spoilt person. 414 00:18:52,220 --> 00:18:54,900 And that actually, I think, really hurt her 415 00:18:54,900 --> 00:18:58,780 because, I mean, Anjali, she's a scholarship student. 416 00:18:58,780 --> 00:18:59,060 because, I mean, Anjali, she's a scholarship student. She couldn't have been here without that. 417 00:18:59,060 --> 00:19:02,340 She couldn't have been here without that. 418 00:19:02,340 --> 00:19:04,860 A lot of the criticism I've received over the last few years 419 00:19:04,860 --> 00:19:08,620 has been race-based, or it's been gender-based, or it's been age-based. 420 00:19:08,620 --> 00:19:10,940 I got this one once, which was quite funny to me. 421 00:19:10,940 --> 00:19:11,180 I got this one once, "Are you just an Indian operative 422 00:19:11,180 --> 00:19:12,900 "Are you just an Indian operative 423 00:19:12,900 --> 00:19:15,300 "working against the interests of Australia?" 424 00:19:15,300 --> 00:19:18,060 Um, "Straight out of India. Go protest your old government. 425 00:19:18,060 --> 00:19:18,300 Um, "Straight out of India. "All this BS, you have no idea." 426 00:19:18,300 --> 00:19:20,540 "All this BS, you have no idea." 427 00:19:20,540 --> 00:19:23,900 ARCHANA: At some point I said, "Just don't look at these things. 428 00:19:23,900 --> 00:19:27,260 "Just shut off, you know, turn the Instagram off. 429 00:19:27,260 --> 00:19:27,500 "Just shut off, you know, "Don't go on Twitter." 430 00:19:27,500 --> 00:19:29,420 "Don't go on Twitter." 431 00:19:29,420 --> 00:19:29,660 She was disheartened, devastated, "Don't go on Twitter." 432 00:19:29,660 --> 00:19:33,420 She was disheartened, devastated, but at the same time 433 00:19:33,420 --> 00:19:33,660 She was disheartened, devastated, very determined to fight back. 434 00:19:33,660 --> 00:19:35,980 very determined to fight back. 435 00:19:37,220 --> 00:19:40,540 ANJALI: You know, just because the court overturned that ruling, 436 00:19:40,540 --> 00:19:43,820 it doesn't mean that the duty-of-care concept had to die then. 437 00:19:45,020 --> 00:19:47,780 ANJALI: After the Federal Court decision, David and I 438 00:19:47,780 --> 00:19:50,500 and some of the other lawyers started to discuss the idea of 439 00:19:50,500 --> 00:19:50,740 and some of the other lawyers a Duty Of Care Bill. 440 00:19:50,740 --> 00:19:52,060 a Duty Of Care Bill. 441 00:19:52,060 --> 00:19:55,660 That's right. And that's precisely what the court suggested. 442 00:19:55,660 --> 00:19:55,940 The court had said that they weren't finding necessarily That's right. And that's precisely what the court suggested. 443 00:19:55,940 --> 00:19:58,900 The court had said that they weren't finding necessarily 444 00:19:58,900 --> 00:19:59,140 The court had said that they that a duty of care didn't exist, 445 00:19:59,140 --> 00:20:01,380 that a duty of care didn't exist, 446 00:20:01,380 --> 00:20:04,660 but just that it wasn't the job of the courts 447 00:20:04,660 --> 00:20:04,940 but just that it wasn't the job of the courts to impose it, but rather the job of Parliament to legislate it. 448 00:20:04,940 --> 00:20:08,500 to impose it, but rather the job of Parliament to legislate it. 449 00:20:08,500 --> 00:20:11,300 Yeah, there's a wealth of information in the case 450 00:20:11,300 --> 00:20:14,580 on how such a duty of care could work. 451 00:20:14,580 --> 00:20:14,860 The thing about Anj is that she didn't let it fizzle out, on how such a duty of care could work. 452 00:20:14,860 --> 00:20:17,980 The thing about Anj is that she didn't let it fizzle out, 453 00:20:17,980 --> 00:20:21,540 that she kept going and she said, "I really want to make this happen." 454 00:20:28,500 --> 00:20:33,580 ARCHANA: Anjali moved to Canberra in 2023, beginning of 2023. 455 00:20:33,580 --> 00:20:33,820 ARCHANA: Anjali moved to Canberra Oh, yeah. 456 00:20:33,820 --> 00:20:35,540 Oh, yeah. 457 00:20:35,540 --> 00:20:39,100 Definitely, being in this duty-of-care case 458 00:20:39,100 --> 00:20:39,380 has created a big impact in that decision Definitely, being in this duty-of-care case 459 00:20:39,380 --> 00:20:43,300 has created a big impact in that decision 460 00:20:43,300 --> 00:20:43,540 has created a big impact that she wanted to pursue law. 461 00:20:43,540 --> 00:20:44,980 that she wanted to pursue law. 462 00:20:45,940 --> 00:20:48,180 Hey. Hey! How are you? 463 00:20:48,180 --> 00:20:48,420 Hey. I'm good. How are you going? 464 00:20:48,420 --> 00:20:50,060 I'm good. How are you going? 465 00:20:50,060 --> 00:20:55,300 ANJALI: It was a perfect place for me not just to study law and arts, 466 00:20:55,300 --> 00:20:58,860 but also to continue and to build this campaign. 467 00:20:58,860 --> 00:21:00,500 So not science, guys. 468 00:21:00,500 --> 00:21:04,060 I built up this body of research, which I then began to take 469 00:21:04,060 --> 00:21:08,380 to politicians, to ask them to hear me out and to take on the bill. 470 00:21:12,380 --> 00:21:13,780 (PHONE CHIMES) 471 00:21:13,780 --> 00:21:17,020 MAN: Anj got in touch about the duty of care. 472 00:21:17,020 --> 00:21:17,260 We then started to work out, MAN: Anj got in touch about the duty of care. 473 00:21:17,260 --> 00:21:19,580 We then started to work out, 474 00:21:19,580 --> 00:21:22,900 well, how could you actually do this in law? 475 00:21:22,900 --> 00:21:23,180 well, how could you actually do this in law? ANJALI: I'm here today standing alongside Senator Pocock 476 00:21:23,180 --> 00:21:26,660 ANJALI: I'm here today standing alongside Senator Pocock 477 00:21:26,660 --> 00:21:28,460 as we table this bill in Parliament 478 00:21:28,460 --> 00:21:31,140 to implement a statutory duty of care. 479 00:21:31,140 --> 00:21:34,340 ANJALI: The bill would establish that when the government is looking 480 00:21:34,340 --> 00:21:37,380 at approving or funding new fossil fuel developments, 481 00:21:37,380 --> 00:21:41,300 that they are required to consider the health and wellbeing 482 00:21:41,300 --> 00:21:44,500 of young people as a paramount consideration in that process. 483 00:21:44,500 --> 00:21:47,860 Too many of the decisions we make in this place 484 00:21:47,860 --> 00:21:54,460 do not factor in the futures of young people and future Australians. 485 00:21:56,180 --> 00:21:58,420 So I was thinking maybe we could frame it as, like, 486 00:21:58,420 --> 00:22:01,020 a little panel about intergenerational equality, 487 00:22:01,020 --> 00:22:03,620 and it would be there as a climate perspective. 488 00:22:03,620 --> 00:22:07,460 ANJALI: After the bill was launched, the campaign was gaining traction, 489 00:22:07,460 --> 00:22:10,700 so we started to put together a bit of a team that would be 490 00:22:10,700 --> 00:22:10,940 so we started to put together the inner machinery of the campaign. 491 00:22:10,940 --> 00:22:13,180 the inner machinery of the campaign. 492 00:22:13,180 --> 00:22:13,420 Everything we do, I feel the inner machinery of the campaign. 493 00:22:13,420 --> 00:22:15,180 Everything we do, I feel like is a massive, long shot. 494 00:22:15,180 --> 00:22:19,860 ANJALI: People like me, interested in advocacy, interested in politics. 495 00:22:19,860 --> 00:22:22,380 What was that figure that you were saying? 496 00:22:22,380 --> 00:22:24,220 DAISY: When I became aware of the campaign, 497 00:22:24,220 --> 00:22:26,420 I sort of immediately jumped on board. 498 00:22:26,420 --> 00:22:27,740 Not too many stats, 499 00:22:27,740 --> 00:22:30,220 because then the numbers will get mixed up in people's heads. 500 00:22:30,220 --> 00:22:32,500 ANJALI: None of us have ever participated 501 00:22:32,500 --> 00:22:35,380 in parliamentary legislation drafting before, 502 00:22:35,380 --> 00:22:39,060 and none of us have ever had to run a grassroots campaign 503 00:22:39,060 --> 00:22:40,100 out of our uni dorms. 504 00:22:40,100 --> 00:22:42,660 And it's a massive learning curve. 505 00:22:42,660 --> 00:22:45,180 Oh, well, let's actually check where the EDM's at. 506 00:22:45,180 --> 00:22:48,620 We thought, what a great opportunity to have a bunch of young people 507 00:22:48,620 --> 00:22:52,660 come to Parliament and to talk about the Duty Of Care Bill 508 00:22:52,660 --> 00:22:54,180 with their local representative. 509 00:22:59,140 --> 00:23:00,780 Hi, I'm Anj. And I'm Jess. 510 00:23:00,780 --> 00:23:04,580 And it is 7am, and we are currently on our way to Parliament. 511 00:23:04,580 --> 00:23:06,820 It's gonna be a massive day, and we're so excited. 512 00:23:06,820 --> 00:23:09,140 Come on, guys, and see how it goes. 513 00:23:09,140 --> 00:23:12,300 WOMAN: That's a run sheet for you, my friend. 514 00:23:12,300 --> 00:23:14,860 And you guys are meeting with an independent. 515 00:23:14,860 --> 00:23:15,100 And you guys are meeting Yes. 516 00:23:15,100 --> 00:23:15,940 Yes. 517 00:23:15,940 --> 00:23:16,180 There's your first meeting - Yes. 518 00:23:16,180 --> 00:23:18,620 There's your first meeting - Allegra Spender? 519 00:23:18,620 --> 00:23:18,900 We've only been here once on a school excursion, There's your first meeting - Allegra Spender? 520 00:23:18,900 --> 00:23:21,700 We've only been here once on a school excursion, 521 00:23:21,700 --> 00:23:21,940 We've only been here once and it's all... 522 00:23:21,940 --> 00:23:24,180 and it's all... 523 00:23:24,180 --> 00:23:27,380 Like, we never came here to actually discuss something. 524 00:23:27,380 --> 00:23:27,660 Like, we never came here to actually discuss something. In my notebook, I have, like, a million bookmarks. 525 00:23:27,660 --> 00:23:31,220 In my notebook, I have, like, a million bookmarks. 526 00:23:31,220 --> 00:23:31,500 It feels like the government is so far away from you. In my notebook, I have, like, a million bookmarks. 527 00:23:31,500 --> 00:23:33,820 It feels like the government is so far away from you. 528 00:23:33,820 --> 00:23:35,620 Um, and today we've actually got that opportunity 529 00:23:35,620 --> 00:23:38,500 to just come here and actually express ourselves. 530 00:23:40,060 --> 00:23:43,220 ANJALI: It was a 12-hour day and it was full of meetings. 531 00:23:43,220 --> 00:23:44,900 I think we had 35 that day. 532 00:23:44,900 --> 00:23:46,580 WOMAN: Hello. Come in. Hello. 533 00:23:46,580 --> 00:23:48,100 How are you going? Lovely to meet you. 534 00:23:48,100 --> 00:23:50,020 Lovely to meet you as well. And hello. 535 00:23:50,020 --> 00:23:52,260 ANJALI: I think it was really confronting for a lot of politicians 536 00:23:52,260 --> 00:23:56,340 to have young people as young as 12 come and sit on their couches 537 00:23:56,340 --> 00:23:59,180 and talk about their fears in relation to climate change. 538 00:23:59,180 --> 00:24:04,980 I am a super-future-focused person and I hate feeling out of control. 539 00:24:04,980 --> 00:24:07,500 I think it's a really... I'm very, very supportive. 540 00:24:07,500 --> 00:24:10,580 ANJALI: We got lots and lots of advice from the independents 541 00:24:10,580 --> 00:24:10,820 ANJALI: We got lots and lots of and the crossbench in particular. 542 00:24:10,820 --> 00:24:12,020 and the crossbench in particular. 543 00:24:12,020 --> 00:24:12,260 You know, trying to get through the legislation and the crossbench in particular. 544 00:24:12,260 --> 00:24:13,700 You know, trying to get through the legislation 545 00:24:13,700 --> 00:24:16,220 is you don't always necessarily get everything you want. 546 00:24:16,220 --> 00:24:19,500 ANJALI: I think we went into the meetings knowing that 547 00:24:19,500 --> 00:24:21,740 it's kind of their full-time job to negotiate 548 00:24:21,740 --> 00:24:22,980 and to bring the government on side, 549 00:24:22,980 --> 00:24:23,220 and to bring the government and that's what we're trying to do. 550 00:24:23,220 --> 00:24:24,540 and that's what we're trying to do. 551 00:24:24,540 --> 00:24:26,660 Anj, nice to see. Yeah, lovely to see you again. 552 00:24:26,660 --> 00:24:29,540 ANJALI: For this bill to pass, we need a really productive, 553 00:24:29,540 --> 00:24:33,020 really constructive working relationship with the government. 554 00:24:33,020 --> 00:24:33,300 What would be really good place to say is, why do you care about it? really constructive working relationship with the government. 555 00:24:33,300 --> 00:24:35,620 What would be really good place to say is, why do you care about it? 556 00:24:35,620 --> 00:24:36,900 Why do you think it's important? 557 00:24:36,900 --> 00:24:37,140 Why do you think it's important? We've been in several meetings today where we've been looked at 558 00:24:37,140 --> 00:24:39,420 We've been in several meetings today where we've been looked at 559 00:24:39,420 --> 00:24:41,140 by government MPs and we've been told, 560 00:24:41,140 --> 00:24:43,260 "Oh, but we have this target and we have this amendment 561 00:24:43,260 --> 00:24:43,500 "Oh, but we have this target "and we have this legislation." 562 00:24:43,500 --> 00:24:44,780 "and we have this legislation." 563 00:24:44,780 --> 00:24:48,620 There is still no policy that takes into account our interests, 564 00:24:48,620 --> 00:24:48,860 There is still no policy that our health and our wellbeing. 565 00:24:48,860 --> 00:24:50,260 our health and our wellbeing. 566 00:24:50,260 --> 00:24:50,500 ANJALI: We offered up this bill our health and our wellbeing. 567 00:24:50,500 --> 00:24:53,700 ANJALI: We offered up this bill as another tool in their belt 568 00:24:53,700 --> 00:24:57,140 to achieve their targets and to complement their policies. 569 00:25:01,740 --> 00:25:04,420 The current Commonwealth Government was elected on the basis of 570 00:25:04,420 --> 00:25:04,660 The current Commonwealth Government 82% renewable energy by 2030. 571 00:25:04,660 --> 00:25:07,900 82% renewable energy by 2030. 572 00:25:07,900 --> 00:25:08,140 82% renewable energy by 2030. As of the middle of last year, we're up to about 35% renewable energy 573 00:25:08,140 --> 00:25:11,700 As of the middle of last year, we're up to about 35% renewable energy 574 00:25:11,700 --> 00:25:11,940 As of the middle of last year, we're in our electricity grid. 575 00:25:11,940 --> 00:25:13,860 in our electricity grid. 576 00:25:13,860 --> 00:25:17,100 We're not going fast enough yet, but it's not simple. 577 00:25:17,100 --> 00:25:19,660 We're here for one reason, like everybody is here today, 578 00:25:19,660 --> 00:25:22,540 and that's to put a halt to this reckless, renewable base. 579 00:25:22,540 --> 00:25:26,140 (CHEERING) 580 00:25:26,140 --> 00:25:26,340 Yeah, look, we all have concern (CHEERING) 581 00:25:26,340 --> 00:25:28,580 Yeah, look, we all have concern 582 00:25:28,580 --> 00:25:30,180 about how do we reduce our emissions, 583 00:25:30,180 --> 00:25:32,180 how do we look after our environment? 584 00:25:32,180 --> 00:25:32,460 how do we look after our environment? That's the only thing at contention here, 585 00:25:32,460 --> 00:25:34,340 That's the only thing at contention here, 586 00:25:34,340 --> 00:25:37,980 is about how we achieve it and who bears the burden of it. 587 00:25:37,980 --> 00:25:43,420 I care about our children's future, and this is not the way to go. 588 00:25:43,420 --> 00:25:48,140 My constituents are very concerned about the pace and the consultation 589 00:25:48,140 --> 00:25:50,980 in which the government has undertaken this, 590 00:25:50,980 --> 00:25:53,260 because they are recklessly trying to do this by 2030. 591 00:25:53,260 --> 00:25:56,540 The wind turbines around us that they're planning, 592 00:25:56,540 --> 00:25:59,740 that are going to tower over our homes, 593 00:25:59,740 --> 00:26:04,380 are 1.5 times the size of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 594 00:26:04,380 --> 00:26:04,620 are 1.5 times the size of Have you got that mental picture? 595 00:26:04,620 --> 00:26:06,220 Have you got that mental picture? 596 00:26:07,860 --> 00:26:11,340 We'll have a look at the bill, but we should pause, 597 00:26:11,340 --> 00:26:11,580 We'll have a look at the bill, we should plan and get this right. 598 00:26:11,580 --> 00:26:12,980 we should plan and get this right. 599 00:26:12,980 --> 00:26:14,260 We've got time. 600 00:26:14,260 --> 00:26:17,060 And we should put all the options on the table. 601 00:26:18,460 --> 00:26:20,700 DAVID POCOCK: How can we delay this even further? 602 00:26:20,700 --> 00:26:24,220 Climate scientists are telling us we can't, 603 00:26:24,220 --> 00:26:24,500 but we have this really narrow window to act. Climate scientists are telling us we can't, 604 00:26:24,500 --> 00:26:27,780 but we have this really narrow window to act. 605 00:26:27,780 --> 00:26:28,020 but we have this really narrow window to act. And the duty of care is about 606 00:26:28,020 --> 00:26:30,500 And the duty of care is about 607 00:26:30,500 --> 00:26:33,180 forcing politicians to actually do that. 608 00:26:33,180 --> 00:26:38,220 And to be expanding the fossil fuel industry in 2023, 2024 609 00:26:38,220 --> 00:26:38,460 And to be expanding the fossil is total madness. 610 00:26:38,460 --> 00:26:40,020 is total madness. 611 00:26:40,020 --> 00:26:42,620 WOMAN: Good morning. 612 00:26:42,620 --> 00:26:44,180 On behalf of the committee, 613 00:26:44,180 --> 00:26:46,220 I'd like to welcome everyone here today. 614 00:26:46,220 --> 00:26:49,500 So, we're in Parliament House today, and the Senate is holding 615 00:26:49,500 --> 00:26:52,220 a full-day inquiry into the Duty Of Care Bill. 616 00:26:52,220 --> 00:26:54,780 We hope that we don't come out of this process 617 00:26:54,780 --> 00:26:55,060 without a duty of care, because it's We hope that we don't come out of this process 618 00:26:55,060 --> 00:26:58,020 without a duty of care, because it's been put in the too-hard basket. 619 00:26:58,020 --> 00:26:58,300 without a duty of care, because it's WOMAN: You know, we protect our children from smoking, 620 00:26:58,300 --> 00:27:00,940 WOMAN: You know, we protect our children from smoking, 621 00:27:00,940 --> 00:27:03,900 we protect our children from gambling, from alcohol, 622 00:27:03,900 --> 00:27:04,180 to not consider the climate change impacts on children is an omission. we protect our children from gambling, from alcohol, 623 00:27:04,180 --> 00:27:12,180 to not consider the climate change impacts on children is an omission. 624 00:27:12,180 --> 00:27:12,420 to not consider the climate change But is this the right manner? 625 00:27:12,420 --> 00:27:14,060 But is this the right manner? 626 00:27:14,060 --> 00:27:14,300 Is this the bill that will give But is this the right manner? 627 00:27:14,300 --> 00:27:18,900 Is this the bill that will give you the outcome that you seek? 628 00:27:18,900 --> 00:27:19,180 Is this the bill that will give you the outcome that you seek? WOMAN: I'm a liberal. I'm for smaller government. 629 00:27:19,180 --> 00:27:21,500 WOMAN: I'm a liberal. I'm for smaller government. 630 00:27:21,500 --> 00:27:24,020 This is absolutely insane and offensive to me 631 00:27:24,020 --> 00:27:26,060 that we're going to legislate a thought process 632 00:27:26,060 --> 00:27:27,540 as we put policy in place. 633 00:27:27,540 --> 00:27:27,780 A lot of us are parents, we all do consider the future. as we put policy in place. 634 00:27:27,780 --> 00:27:30,660 A lot of us are parents, we all do consider the future. 635 00:27:32,340 --> 00:27:35,460 DAVID POCOCK: It's very rare for private senators' bills to pass. 636 00:27:35,460 --> 00:27:38,660 And so ultimately this will come down to Australians 637 00:27:38,660 --> 00:27:40,500 saying to their local representative, 638 00:27:40,500 --> 00:27:43,620 "This is something I want and I'm going to continue to push," 639 00:27:43,620 --> 00:27:47,860 and Anj and hundreds of thousands of young people across the country 640 00:27:47,860 --> 00:27:48,100 and Anj and hundreds of thousands of are part of that. 641 00:27:48,100 --> 00:27:49,420 are part of that. 642 00:27:51,220 --> 00:27:54,540 It was initially quite intimidating to be looking senators in the eye 643 00:27:54,540 --> 00:27:56,500 and really fully advocating for this bill. 644 00:27:56,500 --> 00:27:56,740 and really fully advocating Ultimately, 50 years down the track, 645 00:27:56,740 --> 00:27:59,300 Ultimately, 50 years down the track, 646 00:27:59,300 --> 00:27:59,540 we are the ones who will be making decisions for the world. Ultimately, 50 years down the track, 647 00:27:59,540 --> 00:28:02,100 we are the ones who will be making decisions for the world. 648 00:28:02,100 --> 00:28:05,380 We are the ones who will be living out our lives 649 00:28:05,380 --> 00:28:08,660 in a world shaped by the impacts of the decisions made today. 650 00:28:10,540 --> 00:28:12,900 I think right now I'm just feeling a lot of adrenaline 651 00:28:12,900 --> 00:28:13,140 I think right now I'm just and a lot of exhilaration. 652 00:28:13,140 --> 00:28:14,420 and a lot of exhilaration. 653 00:28:14,420 --> 00:28:14,660 I think I'll go home tonight and a lot of exhilaration. 654 00:28:14,660 --> 00:28:16,580 I think I'll go home tonight and absolutely crash 655 00:28:16,580 --> 00:28:20,620 and reflect on the last four years and just how draining, truly, 656 00:28:20,620 --> 00:28:20,860 and reflect on the last four years the process has been. 657 00:28:20,860 --> 00:28:22,820 the process has been. 658 00:28:22,820 --> 00:28:24,820 Hi. Thanks so much. 659 00:28:24,820 --> 00:28:27,740 Just to the Australian National University, please. 660 00:28:27,740 --> 00:28:28,780 Not a problem. Thank you. 661 00:28:28,780 --> 00:28:32,580 ARCHANA: Sometimes I feel she's taking too much on herself. 662 00:28:32,580 --> 00:28:35,780 So, we do have arguments on that sometimes. 663 00:28:35,780 --> 00:28:39,620 Like a typical 19-year-old being rebellious. 664 00:28:39,620 --> 00:28:39,860 Like a typical 19-year-old But I know that that's her passion. 665 00:28:39,860 --> 00:28:42,900 But I know that that's her passion. 666 00:28:46,020 --> 00:28:50,300 BRIGID: Anj is a young woman who's put much on the line 667 00:28:50,300 --> 00:28:52,180 for what she believes in, 668 00:28:52,180 --> 00:28:55,980 so I will watch, as long as I'm alive, 669 00:28:55,980 --> 00:28:59,500 I will watch her future with interest. 670 00:29:01,860 --> 00:29:04,860 ANJALI: We don't have time for baby steps anymore, 671 00:29:04,860 --> 00:29:08,580 so I'm not going to stop campaigning for radical change, 672 00:29:08,580 --> 00:29:12,900 because I think that that's the only way to safeguard 673 00:29:12,900 --> 00:29:15,620 the rights of young people in the face of climate change. 674 00:29:22,780 --> 00:29:25,220 ANJALI: I can't wait till I'm having meetings with you guys. 675 00:29:25,220 --> 00:29:28,060 You are so cool. Aw, thank you. 676 00:29:28,060 --> 00:29:28,300 You are so cool. Also, you guys are so cool, so... 677 00:29:28,300 --> 00:29:29,860 Also, you guys are so cool, so... 678 00:29:29,860 --> 00:29:32,620 Just imagine being that Parliament person 679 00:29:32,620 --> 00:29:34,300 and just seeing a bunch of kids. 680 00:29:34,300 --> 00:29:38,060 "Hey, we're going to talk to you and we're kids, 681 00:29:38,060 --> 00:29:38,300 "Hey, we're going to talk "so you can't say no. 682 00:29:38,300 --> 00:29:39,700 "so you can't say no. 683 00:29:39,700 --> 00:29:40,940 "Eat it." 684 00:29:40,940 --> 00:29:43,420 Here we go. One, two, three, everybody. 685 00:29:43,420 --> 00:29:45,020 Say "Duty of care!" 686 00:29:45,020 --> 00:29:46,820 ALL: Duty of care! 687 00:29:46,820 --> 00:29:47,020 Captions by Red Bee Media ALL: Duty of care! 688 00:29:47,020 --> 00:29:48,820 Captions by Red Bee Media 689 00:29:48,820 --> 00:29:51,020 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation