I have been advised that the following motion was very recently put forward and accepted by the ARC..

a) That ARC offers moral support to student climate strikers who are asking the Government to enact laws and policies that put Australia at the forefront of proper action on climate change, and commend them for taking the lead in our community to protect Australia’s future.

b) That ARC also recognises that many councils, including Sydney City Council, have included adapting to climate change as part of their strategic planning. A number have also declared a climate change emergency. It is well recognised that this is a major issue particularly impacting Australia with an increase in extreme weather events, record temperatures, and lower rainfall.

Background
It’s now time to move on from debate and start implementing appropriate solutions. We're a lucky country, with access to abundant solar, wind, geothermal and wave energy. We have a talented workforce and a healthy economy with all the skills, resources and knowledge required to lead the world in renewable energy. In order to meet our global obligations and to protect our economy and environment, our young
Australians are imploring us to rise to the challenge. It is our young who will feel the effects of climate change most strongly and it is our young who are fighting for their future.

This is a good outcome, and we should congratulate those councillors who submitted the motion and the other councillors for their support.

This is a very good step towards ARC declaring a climate emergency.