Australian Youth Climate Coalition

Young Australians have welcomed the passing of historic climate legislation. Following this vote, 1000 young people will converge on Brisbane this weekend for the ‘Power Shift' summit, to show their support for this first step in climate policy, and learn about how we can move Australia to 100% renewable energy.

"Young people are pleased that our Parliament has taken the first step in protecting our future. They have shown the leadership that young Australians have been waiting for", said Ellen Sandell, National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, which is Australia's largest youth-led organisation with over 65,000 members.

"Young people will be most affected by the policies our Government enacts today. Today's legislation is not the perfect solution, but it marks an important moment when Australia joins over 30 other countries who have a carbon price. Now young people will be looking to the next steps that will move us to 100% renewable energy"

Power Shift will take place this Saturday in Brisbane. It will train young people in climate science, solutions and campaigning techniques so they can go back to their communities ready to take action on climate change and build on the momentum generated today in Parliament House.

Power Shift will feature high profile speakers such as:

• Dick Smith (entrepreneur)
• Jessica Watson (Young Australian of the Year)
• Jessica Tovey (Home and Away and Underbelly actor)
• Christine Milne (Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens)
• Wyatt Roy (Liberal MP for Longman, Queensland)
• Dr Karl Kruzelnicki (radio personality)

There will also be a large flash-mob dance in King George Square on Monday 17th October at midday, to send a message of young people's support for climate action.

This year's event follows Power Shift 2009, which saw over 1,500 youth representatives from across Australia travel to Sydney for the nation's first youth summit on climate change.