House debates Statements by Members

Environmental Defenders Office

Thursday, 17 September 2026 House of Representatives

Phillip Thompson

Phillip Thompson Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry

1:52 pm

When 12-year-old children in the electorate of Herbert are asking me whether they are going to die, because of a climate countdown, something has gone seriously wrong. Children deserve facts, perspective and hope, not apocalyptic activism masquerading as education.

The so-called Climate Clock is not a literal countdown to humanity's extinction; it is an international activist campaign designed to raise money. One of its major sponsors is Oak Foundation. That same foreign foundation has also been identified as a funder and supporter of the Environmental Defenders Office, an activist organisation that uses litigation to delay and disrupt major Australian projects. And who gives millions of dollars in Commonwealth funding to the Environmental Defenders Office? The Albanese Labor government. Labor and Oak Foundation are separately supporting the same activist organisation, while children in our communities are left terrified about whether they have a future. All of you on that side of the House should be ashamed of yourselves.

Sharon Claydon

Sharon Claydon Newcastle, Australian Labor Party

Direct your comments through the chair, Member for Herbert.

Phillip Thompson

Phillip Thompson Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry

The coalition has committed to defunding the Environmental Defenders Office. Our children should be informed and prepared for the future, not terrified into believing they will never have one.