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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Barr refuses to meet citizens worried about his investments in Whitehaven Coal

maules creek protestors

CANBERRANS who have been arrested in peaceful actions at the Maules Creek Coal Mine site over the past 12 months have gathered outside the ACT Legislative Assembly to call on the Government to hear their stories and to live up to their responsible investment policy and divest from Whitehaven Coal.

Local residents from all walks of life including an Astrophysicist, Professors of Health, farmers, public servants, students and a famous rugby player have taken action to stop the large coal mine and are now calling on Treasurer Andrew Barr and his colleagues to encourage to divest from Whitehaven Coal and all fossil fuels.

Emma Pocock, who took action alongside her partner on Sunday said “I am an incredibly proud Canberran who is deeply concerned about the ACT Government’s investment in Whitehaven at a time when we should be keeping coal in the ground”.

“Professor of Public Health Colin Butler, who was arrested last Wednesday, said “The ACT government renewable energy target of 90% shows real national leadership, so it is puzzling that the ACT still invests in Whitehaven Coal, as well as other companies that are morally compromised by their deep involvement with fossil fuels.”

ANU student Jinnie Widnyana, who was arrested along with 80 others in June, explained “I am concerned about climate change and its impact on Australians and I felt this was the most appropriate way to demonstrate the gravity of the issue. I felt that I couldn’t trust the existing decision-making processes to decide in the long-term best interests of the public and future generations.”

For over 12 months the local Fossil Free ACT campaign has been calling on the ACT Government to drop its holdings in fossil fuel companies. Spokesperson Josh Creaser said “we realise that it will take the Government some time to get their house in order and divest from the 70 major fossil fuel companies they hold. As a first step we call on Treasurer Andrew Barr to divest from Whitehaven Coal given the companies tarnished reputation and a share price that has plummeted in recent years in the face of sustained community opposition and a global turn away from coal”

Treasurer Barr has refused to meet with the Fossil Free ACT campaign nor the 20 community groups including unions, health bodies and faith groups and over 3500 individuals that have signed on in support.

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Thank you,

Ian Meikle, editor

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