Workshop: Six years since occupation of fossil fuel industry lobby group

The Minerals Council of Australia are one of the strongest advocates for the expansion of the fossil fuel industry in Australia. Six years ago this month a group of climate activists occupied the offices of the Minerals Council in Canberra. The aim was to draw media attention to the detrimental effects of Australia's mineral policies upon Pasifika and its peoples. The activists were arrested.

 It made no media splash: Gough Whitlam died that day. But it is part of our activist history here. What can we learn from it? How did it relate to a strategy? What were the pitfalls? What might have been its success and how could it have been developed?

 Several of the activists involved are still in Canberra. We invite you to come and hear about this action, and talk about how it might relate to current climate groups and their planning.

 Australia’s fossil fuel lobby groups have ramped-up their efforts to oppose climate action and promote fossil fuels in the wake of Covid-19, according to new analysis published by global lobbying monitor InfluenceMap. Three of the five most negative influences on climate action in Australia have  headquarters here in Canberra:  Minerals Council of Australia, Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Australian Petroleum Producers & Exploration Association.