Recognising that young people, as the future of our country, have a vital interest in a rapid shift to a sustainable economy, Professionals Australia supports the Global Climate Strike.

We respect the right of young people to take an active role in political debates, and encourage them to do so, and reject the patronising and insulting attacks on them by politicians and commentators.

Professionals Australia applauds the student strikers’ efforts to call for all levels of government and all political parties to recognise the true extent of the risks posed by climate change, and to act with the haste and determination that the risks entail, and the science demands.

In supporting the student strike, Professionals Australia calls for:

• A just transition for all workers affected by the shift to a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on the creation of secure jobs in non-carbon intensive industries;
• Planning and support for communities in carbon-intensive regions to transition to prosperous economies based on clean industries;
• An end to the culture wars around climate and energy policy;
• The introduction of industry sector plans (not just the energy sector) to ensure the transition is fast enough, and to avoid the kind of dislocations that have characterised previous industry restructuring in Australia;
• The voices of workers, through their unions, to be given priority in planning for a sustainable economy;
• A recognition that acting to prevent climate change will create many more jobs and enable greater economic, social and political justice, if workers, students and their communities take the lead; and
• Recognition that Australia has a particular responsibility to reduce carbon emissions that are contributing to environmental destruction that is disproportionately affecting workers and their communities in the Asia Pacific region, especially on Pacific Islands.

Professionals Australia recognises the importance of all Australians working together to achieve a sustainable economy and to stop the catastrophic damage caused by climate change.

National Board, Professionals Australia

If you'd like to join a strike, please request the day off work to attend.

To find your nearest event, please visit the School Strike For Climate page and find a location closest to you!