Pocock pushing for ‘children’s voice’ to give kids a say on climate policies
One senator is pushing to ensure his colleagues consider the impact climate change will have on young people when deciding on major projects.
ACT independent senator David Pocock will introduce a bill to legislate a duty of care, adding two conditions to laws covering the financing and approval of large developments.
Politicians will need to consider the likely harm any additional pollution caused by the projects would have on the health and wellbeing of children and future generations.
Senator Pocock said his legislation plugged an important gap in climate laws.
“We should be thinking about young people when we make decisions. I want to be part of a parliament, and more importantly a country, that takes this responsibility seriously,” he said.
The bill was drafted alongside climate activist Anjali Sharma, the lead litigant of a 2020 court case against the federal government.
You might like
A federal court judge found the government had a duty of care to young people when considering fossil fuel projects, but that decision was overturned on appeal.
Ms Sharma said the bill had come after years of advocacy from young people.
“The past few years have seen climate disasters and temperatures that have broken records,” she said.
“The government can either act in accordance with its duty to young people and deliver us a safe and liveable future, or set us on a path to climate catastrophe.”
The bill will need the support of the government and the Greens to pass the Senate.
