Denmark climate activist Julie Marsh charged over protest outside Rick Wilson’s Albany office

A Denmark climate activist was arrested on Monday after supergluing her feet to a wall outside O’Connor MP Rick Wilson’s office as part of an Australia-wide climate protest. Julie Marsh tagged the Liberal MP’s office with messages which read “tell the truth”, “you failed us COP-26”, “2050 too late: act now”, and “climate criminals”. Police said the 57-year-old’s feet were removed from the wall with the help of solvent. She was arrested and charged with criminal damage before being released on bail on a personal undertaking. The Albany protest was one of several held across the country by Extinction Rebellion members to condemn the Australian Government’s record on climate change and demand action as the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties — COP26 — began in Glasgow. The summit puts a spotlight on world leaders’ commitments to tackling climate change, working towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Ahead of the conference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Federal Government last week committed $20 million towards policies and technologies aimed at achieving that goal after the Nationals finally agreed to the target. Ms Marsh said she did not apologise for her actions. “When the law is broken we must break the law,” she said. “Non-violent civil disobedience is all I have left. “I have no choice but to grow my courage and take action. “I have never felt less guilty.” The mother of two said the Morrison Government’s inaction on the climate crisis was resulting in “irreversible suffering and damage”. “I am here to tell the truth ... Rick Wilson’s voting trends in Parliament demonstrate his strong commitment to further fossil fuel developments,” she said. “This is in direct conflict with the science. “Rick also voted against the Government treating climate change ‘as a matter of urgency’ and against protecting the Great Barrier Reef.” Mr Wilson thanked Albany police for their “quick attention” to the incident. “Everybody has a right to protest and to make their point, but they have an obligation, supported by the vast majority of Western Australians, to do so in a law-abiding manner,” he said. “My door is always open to anybody who wishes to discuss any matter of concern in a peaceful, lawful and rational manner.” Mr Wilson said he was “heartened” that Prime Minister Scott Morrison was attending the summit in person. “Latest official projections show Australia is on track to reduce emissions by up to 35 per cent by 2030, well above our target of 26-28 per cent,” he said. “Australia will continue to reduce emissions while growing our economy, maintaining affordable, reliable energy and ensuring regions including the Great Southern remain strong. “Our technology-driven approach will continue our strong emissions reduction record while preserving traditional industries and establishing Australia as a leader in emerging low-emissions technologies. “The plan focuses on technology not taxes; expanding choices not mandates; driving down the cost of new technologies; and keeping energy prices down with affordable and reliable power.” Ms Marsh is due to appear in Albany Magistrates Court on November 18.