From what we’ve been hearing in Rio, Australia has not been vocal on ending fossil fuel subsidies. Australia has at least $9 billion worth of subsidies that it provides to the already absurdly wealthy mining industry. Last week we released an infographic that highlights the senseless nature of these subsidies – when $2 billion each year alone is allocated in the federal budget to pay the mining industry’s diesel bill.

So, this morning our 350.org organiser Abigail Jabines and supporters took the End Fossil Fuel Subsidies petition – signed by more than 1 million people worldwide – to the Australian Government’s Treasurer, Wayne Swan at Parliament, as the photo shows.

A great thing happened. The Green Leader Senator Christine Milne came out to greet and join the delivery, announcing that she had moved in the Senate about #EndFossilFuelSubsidies – in an effort to encourage the Australian government delegation in Rio to step up their commitment and pledge to end fossil fuel subsidies.

The #EndFossilFuelSubsidies Twitter Storm has ended, our message was massive and it was heard all over the world, but we haven’t seen that turn into real, genuine commitment by world leaders in Rio yet. So now more than ever, we have to keep up the pressure and keep delivering the message – like they have in Canberra today. Onwards! 

A huge thanks to Avaaz.org who led the petition effort and our supporting organisations in Australia: 100% Renewable Energy Campaign, Australian Conservation Foundation, Canberra Loves 40%, Climate Action Canberra, Climate Change Balmain-Rozelle, Environment Victoria, Greenpeace Australia, Locals Into Victoria’s Environment, Pacific Calling Partnership – Edmund Rice Centre, Queensland Conservation Council, WWF Australia.

350.org organiser Abigail Jabines with Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne