Launch of the School Students’ Statement on the Right to a Healthy Environment
On Wednesday 10 April 2024, Trisha Doyle MP, NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Environment, Heritage, Climate Change, and Energy, launched the School Students' Statement on the Right to a Healthy Environment.
The Statement was collaboratively drafted at the 2023 Youth Forum on the Right to a Healthy Environment, which was attended by 55 high school students from 10 schools across the Hunter region of NSW. The launch provided an opportunity for student participants in the Forum to engage directly with a senior government official. Both the Forum and the Statement launch elevated young people’s perspectives on climate action and policy.
The launch event was attended by more than 30 students, parents and carers, and school teachers. The event also attracted media attention with Alex Goodsir from St Francis Xavier’s College Hamilton interviewed for ABC Radio’s Drive program. The launch was opened by Professor Belinda Bennett, Dean and Head of the School of Law and Justice. Mr Nathan Towney, acting Pro Vice Chancellor for the College of Human and Social Futures, introduced keynote speaker Trisha Doyle MP. Belle Amos, Vice President Indigenous Students of the University of Newcastle Law Students’ Association, offered an insightful Acknowledgment of Country that connected Country to the right to a healthy environment.
Representatives from the 2023 Youth Forum reflected on their experience participating in the Forum and read excerpts of the Statement during the launch. Key messages included the need for young people to be recognised as the 'leaders for today', the need to prioritise consultation and engagement with young people to promote a healthy environment and the need to adopt practical measures. A special thank you to Phoebe Biswas and Alex Goodsir of St Francis Xavier's College Hamilton, Isobel Redford from Merewether High School and Andreas Askland from the Hunter School of the Performing Arts for presenting the Statement and sharing reflections on the Forum.
Trisha Doyle MP congratulated students on their significant contributions to the climate policy discussion and urged students to continue with their advocacy efforts. She encouraged students to engage with creative advocacy strategies including holding decision makers accountable to their climate policy commitments. Trisha acknowledged the frustration experienced by young people and pledged her support of the School Students’ Statement on the Right to a Healthy Environment, including a commitment to read the Statement into NSW Parliamentary record. Following the formal proceedings, students had the opportunity to discuss climate policy concerns and ideas directly with Trisha, who welcomed discussion and reiterated the importance of including young people’s perspectives in policy development.
The Centre for Law and Social Justice would like to thank Trisha Doyle MP for her invaluable contributions to this empowering event. The Centre gratefully acknowledges Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and the Human Rights Act for NSW Alliance for their generous sponsorship of the Youth Forum and Statement launch, and their invaluable efforts to promote and protect human rights.
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.