Jeremy Corbyn appoints Labour’s first shadow minister for climate justice
Jeremy Corbyn has created a new role on Labour’s front bench, appointing a shadow minister for climate justice to liaise with young popular movements such as Extinction Rebellion. The move comes after the UK parliament became the first in the world to declare an “environment and climate emergency” – a symbolic motion recognising the need to combat the climate crisis. Earlier this year, Mr Corbyn and government ministers also met with the 16-year-old climate activist Greta Thunberg and at the time he pledged to continue “conversations with youth climate strikers”. We’ll tell you what’s true. You can form your own view. From 15p €0.18 $0.18 USD 0.27 a day, more exclusives, analysis and extras.
The neighbourhood house proving there's more to a suburb than its reputation - ABC News
From the outside, Starting Point Neighbourhood House is unassuming; cream brick, a maroon roof, and a few chairs out the front. The sign says Ravenswood Neighbourhood House — that's what it used to be called. There's been a rebrand, but the sign hasn't caught up. Inside, it's a different story, especially on a Monday.
Revealed: 'fierce' Pacific forum meeting almost collapsed over climate crisis
Critical talks at the Pacific Islands Forum almost collapsed twice amid “fierce” clashes between the Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, and Tuvalu’s prime minister, Enele Sopoaga, over Australia’s “red lines” on climate change. Ralph Regenvanu, Vanuatu’s foreign minister, who was part of the drafting committee of the forum communique and observed the leaders’ retreat, said there was heated discussion over the Australian delegation’s insistence on the removal of references to coal, setting a target of limiting global warming to below 1.5C and announcing a strategy for zero emissions by 2050. He described the discussions as “frank, fierce at times, [with] very strong positions being held”. “Negotiations almost broke down twice, [with leaders] saying ‘this is not going to happen, we’re not going to have a collective decision’,” he said.
Mentors behind the wheel helping drive change for unemployed in Launceston suburbs - ABC News
When it came to getting her driver's licence, 21-year-old Kimberley Hearps faced a tougher road than most. Key points: Residents in Launceston's northern suburbs are heavily reliant on cars and buses to access servicesThe Wheels4Work driver mentor program is helping learners get their licences and secure employmentBus services changed this year, leaving some parents walking to get their children to and from school At age 17, she found herself living out of home due to family issues.
Greta Thunberg, the Fifteen-Year-Old Climate Activist Who Is Demanding a New Kind of Politics
Sometimes the world makes so little sense that the only thing to do is engage in civil disobedience—even in a country as attached to its rules and regulations as Sweden is. Fifteen-year-old Greta Thunberg has been protesting for more than a month. Before the country’s parliamentary election on September 9th, she went on strike and sat on the steps of the parliament building, in Stockholm, every day during school hours for three weeks. Since the election, she has returned to school for four days a week; she now spends her Fridays on the steps of parliament. She is demanding that the government undertake a radical response to climate change.
Bank account shutdown hurting communities sending $10 billion a year to family overseas - ABC News
The multicultural miracle of Australia is also a $10 billion money machine, as residents support relatives abroad with payments called 'remittances'. Key points: Australians send $10 billion annually in remittances, helping family around the worldHuge fines for breaching money-laundering laws has seen banks close the accounts of legitimate businessesCustomers now have to deal in cash and are increasingly pushed to unregistered, underground operators
Global climate strike Melbourne: Students rally in Melbourne CBD
Protesters met at Treasury Gardens and the crowd swelled by the minute, spilling onto the steps of the Old Treasury Building and the Gordon Reserve on Macarthur Street. They then marched down Collins Street to Russell Street and on to Flinders Street. "When I say climate, you say justice," they yelled into microphones. "When I say people, you say power."
Canberrans usually give generously at Christmas but this year the Hands Across Canberra charity is desperately short - ABC News
By December, Christmas giving trees across Canberra are usually piled high with donated toys and plum puddings. Key points: Charity Hands Across Canberra has only raised $16,000 of its $100,000 targetDonations go towards 2,000 food relief hampers for Canberra familiesCharity calls for money over goods appear to be less attractive to donors But this year, many trees are sitting empty, with some charities asking for money instead of goods due to COVID-19 concerns. Even the giving tree at Parliament House has a QR code set up for donations. But the change appears to be having an impact, with fewer people donating.
School Strike for Climate: all you need to know
Who is striking? The "school strikers" movement began last October when high school students in Castlemaine organised a protest after being inspired by Swedish environmental advocate and teenager Greta Thunberg. The students made a "pretty basic" website (the one they still use today) inviting students in Melbourne to follow their lead. Year 11 student organiser Emma Demarchi attended that first protest: "I was totally inspired and in awe of what I witnessed that I thought I'd have to start helping them organise," she said.
