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Member campaigns

Our Campaigns page is the place to start.

Our Climate Action Kits empower people from different faiths, and provide a pathway and tools for climate action.

Current Campaigns and Projects

'Safe Climate'? Or something else? Our Campaigns has something for you.

Our What We Do page has lots of ideas for taking action.

Our 'Don't Frack The NT' campaign aims to protect both our planet and First Nations country and culture. Check out our video.

Want to be informed?
Want to become involved?
Our home page is a great place to start.

Electrifying energy, electrify our homes

Couldn't attend? That's OK - it's not too late. Lighter Footprints has posted a recording of the event on Youtube here.

Are you concerned about your family’s health, Climate Change and sick of expensive energy bills?Come to this Lighter Footprints webinar and discover how you can cut costs by electrifying your home, while at the same time reducing emissions and providing a safer home for your family.

Guest speakers will include Richard Keech, an engineer, consultant and author with particular interest in energy-efficiency and renewable-energy technologies and their role in society's response climate change.Richard has been involved with Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE, an environmental NGO) since 2007 and wrote a book for BZE titled, "The Energy-Freedom Home.”

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Work with us for REAL Climate Action

It's that simple!

YOU can help create a healthier, happier future for your kids, all Australians
and everyone on our planet.

Four compelling reasons for faster climate action

- Our kids and grandkids deserve a healthy planet
- More jobs in a green economy
- Global warming is catastrophic for our health
- Life on Earth depends upon a healthy climate

Join the Higgins Climate Action Campaign

Higgins voters want stronger Climate Action, clean energy, a healthy environment, and investment in the industries of the future. But our politicians are stuck on coal and gas.We need representatives at all levels of government who will vote to clean up our energy system, electrify transport and protect our precious environment.

‘Ambitious action to reduce emissions isn’t just critical for the
environment, it is our path to a stronger and more competitive
economy that delivers more jobs in our regions and cities”

-- Jennifer Westacott Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Australia

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"Nearly half of humanity is living in the danger zone – now."
"Many ecosystems are at the point of no return – now."
"... a damning indictment of failed climate leadership.”

-- António Guterres UN Secretary-General

Join Us

We’d love you to join us as we encourage our community in the federal electorate of Higgins to become better informed about Climate issues. We need help to shift the conversation towards Climate Action in the lead up to election.

Please complete our sign-up form if you'd like to be involved, and we'll keep you in the loop about our events and activities, and those of our Climate-focused member groups.

• Sign up to our newsletter here

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We encourage you to consider joining one or more of these Climate-focused organisations:

- Australian Conservation Foundation
- Australian Parents for Climate Action
- Australian Religious Response to Climate Change
- Climate and Health Alliance
- Doctors for the Environment Australia
- Environment Victoria
- Friends of the Earth Melbourne
- GetUp
- Lighter Footprints

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AshwoodCAN's 2022 campaign

Our Higgins CAN alliance is helping a new grouping - AshwoodCAN - conduct a climate-focused campaign in Ashwood. Many AshwoodCAN people are also active in Higgins CAN activities, and volunteer with our member organisations, such as ACF, EV and Lighter Footprints.

AshwoodCAN (Ashwood Climate Action Network) is a non-partisan group of volunteers who seek to keep climate action a priority on the political agenda for the forthcoming Victorian state election. AshwoodCAN was inspired by the effectiveness of HigginsCAN’s volunteer efforts in the recent federal election, whose work and support continues. AshwoodCAN members are constituents of the newly formed electorate of Ashwood – comprising residents of the suburbs of Ashburton, Ashwood, Chadstone and Mount Waverley north of the Monash Freeway, Glen Iris east of the Monash Freeway, and parts of Burwood, Burwood East, and Camberwell. Ashwood is a marginal seat in this state election.

More Details:

Website - https://lighterfootprints.org/ashwood-votes-climate/Twitter - https://twitter.com/ActionAshwoodFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=ashwood%20climate%20action%20network

AshwoodCAN Update - 8th November

Ashwood Candidate Meetings

AshwoodCAN members have had personal meetings with the state candidates for Ashwood: Matt Fregon for Labor, Asher Judah for Liberal, and Peter Morgan for the Greens.
Two other candidates have also announced that they are standing in Ashwood – one for the Animal Justice Party and one as an independent.At these meetings we asked the candidates to speak out on the urgency of the need for climate action and for acceleration of climate solutions in our community. We talked with them about their parties’ policies on gas, transport, and on the benefits for climate and biodiversity in ending logging in our state’s old-growth native forests.
We discussed the necessity - if we are to meet our emissions commitments - of helping the Victorian community shift more rapidly away from gas, such as by increasing energy efficiency in homes and businesses, as well as incentives to move to electrification with renewable energy. Saul Griffiths’, in his book The Big Switch, compellingly argues for the benefits of electrification, and we presented a copy of the book to the candidates, who all expressed interest in it.All the candidates are aware that the changing climate is of considerable concern to their community members, especially as extreme weather events like record floods continue to threaten homes and livelihoods, and that constituents are looking for leadership.
What the State does in the next term of Parliament is critical to making the progress we need. We hope others who live in Ashwood and share our interest in accelerating positive action will join us.

AshwoodCAN Update - 20th October

AshwoodCAN (Ashwood Climate Action Network) is a non-partisan group of volunteers who seek to keep climate action a priority on the political agenda for the forthcoming Victorian state election. AshwoodCAN was inspired by the effectiveness of HigginsCAN’s volunteer efforts in the recent federal election, whose work and support continues. AshwoodCAN members are constituents of the newly formed electorate of Ashwood – comprising residents of the suburbs of Ashburton, Ashwood, Chadstone and Mount Waverley north of the Monash Freeway, Glen Iris east of the Monash Freeway, and parts of Burwood, Burwood East, and Camberwell. Ashwood is a marginal seat in this state election.

'Toot for climate' events

Every Friday AshwoodCAN members have been doing ‘toot for climate’ events at different intersections in the electorate, with placards that keep the issue of climate visible. We are gratified to find the community responds – mostly encouragingly – whether in vehicles and walking past. We have also distributed climate placards for Ashwood and are planning to do letterboxing in targeted areas, and to distribute a Climate Scorecard on the electoral candidates' parties at pre-polling and on election day.

Congratulations to Higgins volunteers and candidates!

New Higgins MP Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah speaks at the Higgins Candidates Forum

Dr Ananda-Rajah's presentation starts here.You can check out the full length presentation here.Higgins Candidates Forum Blog here including summaries of candidates' speeches and answers to constituent questions on climate issues.To listen to candidates and locals speaking on ABC Mornings with Virginia Trioli at Malvern Central click here.Higgins CAN is committed to working with our Federal and State MPs on these critical issues:
• Science-based emissions targets
• Any new fossil fuel mining and fossil fuel subsidies
• Retiring coal and accelerating clean energy
• Electric vehicle uptake policy
• Developing new export markets in green steel and hydrogen

Electrifying energy, electrify our homes

Couldn't attend? That's OK - it's not too late. Lighter Footprints has posted a recording of the event on Youtube here.

Online Panel with Richard Keech
Thursday October 6, 7.30pm to 9.00pm
Via ZoomAre you concerned about your family’s health, Climate Change and sick of expensive energy bills?Come to our webinar and discover how you can cut costs by electrifying your home, while at the same time reducing emissions and providing a safer home for your family.

Guest speakers will include Richard Keech, an engineer, consultant and author with particular interest in energy-efficiency and renewable-energy technologies and their role in society's response climate change.He has masters degrees in both Engineering (Electronics) and Environment (Energy Efficiency).Richard has been involved with Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE, an environmental NGO) since 2007 and wrote a book for BZE titled, "The Energy-Freedom Home.”RSVP here

Climate impacts, our health and a way forward

August 18: Catch Higgins CAN's first webinar here

About Higgins CAN

Higgins Climate Action Network (Higgins CAN) is an alliance of local volunteer groups which share a concern about the Climate Emergency. We formed an alliance to achieve more by working together.Our aim is to encourage our community and political leaders to take effective Climate Action.We are a non-partisan network which runs on people power and  seeks to promote strong Climate Action by all levels of government.We're keen to have our message heard in the lead up to the 2022 federal election and to ensure our community understands where the candidates stand on Climate.

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HIGGINS CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK

- Climate Action, health and Climate solutions

Higgins CAN aims to accelerate Climate Action by:
• Encouraging our community and leaders
• Working together with stakeholders and the community for better Climate policy
• Promoting effective local climate action for a safer world

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Members of the Higgins Climate Action Network:

- Australian Conservation Foundation Malvern Climate Action Group
- Australian Parents for Climate Action Boroondara
- Australian Religious Response to Climate Change
- Climate and Health Alliance
- Doctors for the Environment Australia (Higgins)
- Environment Victoria South Eastern Volunteers – EVSEV
- Friends of the Earth Melbourne
- Higgins Environment Action Team (HEAT) – a GetUp community group
- Lighter Footprints

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Higgins CAN member groups will choose which of these activities they want to participate in.
Some activities will involve all member groups and some will not.

Blog

A win for the climate! Higgins campaign wrap-up

Six months of hard work culminates in a changed political landscapeIt's time to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who letter dropped, put up fence signs, came to our weekly Vigil, talked to people and handed out campaign flyers, help organise the Higgins Candidate Forum and staffed pre-poll and polling day! We couldn't have done it without you!Take a look through some campaign highlights, and images in our campaign wrap-up.Read more here

Higgins CAN at Climate Action Saturday!

Shout out for our volunteers and the Climate Choir last Saturday The weather might have been a bit wild and wet, but we were not deterred by the drizzles and gusts of rain, as we handed out climate action material to voters, putting climate action firmly on the agenda.I'm voting climate for our kids. Climate Action Now. Plus dinosaurs, the Climate Choir, a bit of singing and dancing and general good cheer.
Read more here

Make your vote count - understanding voting and preferences

Voting doesn't have to be difficult if you do your homework.Climate is currently the biggest existential threat to humans, so if you're planning to Vote Climate, research candidate and party climate policies before Saturday.The ABC's Politics Explained: House of Representatives vs The Senate video covers the basics of voting in Australia, and is a good start for someone about to vote for the first time.The national broadcaster's chief election analyst Antony Green has covered more than 90 elections since 1989. Click HERE to see his answers to common questions about voting and preferences.Voting can be daunting if you're not prepared. While how-to-vote cards handed out by political parties and independents can be a helpful guide to cast a formal vote by reminding you to fill out all the boxes, you may not agree with the order of preferences suggested.Read more here

Higgins Candidate Forum - democracy in action

How the four forum candidates will act on Climate and ICAC if electedHiggins Climate Action Network (Higgins CAN) held a successful Candidates Climate Forum on May 5 at Malvern Town Hall with almost 400 people in attendance on a cold autumn night. The incumbent, Katie Allen had declined to attend, but Sonya Semmens (Greens), Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah (ALP) and Andrew Johnson (Reason) had accepted.The event took an unexpected but interesting turn 20 minutes prior to the 7.30pm event start time when sitting Higgins MP Dr Katie Allen (Liberal) phoned organisers to advise she'd be attending for half an hour or a bit longer, despite her office saying she would not be attending the previous Friday.Read more here

Eytan Lenko: renewables leader and entrepreneur

Higgins CAN is exceptionally fortunate to have Eytan Lenko as our guest speaker at our Higgins Candidates Climate Forum at Malvern Town Hall on May 5, at 7.30pm.Australia could be a clean energy superpower, transforming our economy with abundant, affordable renewables, replacing our dirty fossil-based exports with direct clean exports or embedded in clean metals and renewables based manufacturing. Eytan is a 25-year clean energy veteran, and is an innovator and leader in cutting-edge technologies.On May 5th you can hear Eytan explain in person how Australia can thrive as we transition to a zero-emissions economy.Read more here.

Climate choir: Higgins Action Day blog

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Higgins CAN Action Day last Thursday, April 28!We were particularly fortunate to enjoy the support of Melbourne’s Climate Choir, serending Dr Allen with climate songs, in the lead up to the Higgins Candidate Forum!Anaesthetist and pain medicine specialist Dr Will Howard, a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia says he is looking forward to hearing the Higgins candidates’ plans for rapid climate action, a hope shared by 75 per cent of Higgins voters.Read more here.

Rooftop Solar: now a simple, electrifying experience

Orientation? Size? Shading? Heritage factors?
If you’ve been thinking about getting solar for your home and it all seems too hard, independent, expert support is at hand - without the jargon. And it’s free!Non-profit Metro Community Power Hub’s Solar Program offers independent advice and access to trusted suppliers, and is backed by Sustainability Victoria as part of Victoria’s commitment to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.Read more here

A win for the climate! Higgins campaign highlights

Previously a 'blue ribbon' seat, Climate topped voter concerns resulting in a win for Climate Action in HigginsHiggins CAN members are grateful for the enthusiasm and dedication of Climate volunteers in Higgins. Thank you to everyone who contributed to putting Climate in the spotlight for voters.Committee member Will Howard sums it up "Well done supporters of Higgins CAN! We have led the transformation in Higgins. Australian voters have shown they want Climate Change addressed, ending the use of fossil fuels and making Australia a renewable superpower."Greg Hardisty, also on the Higgins CAN committee is encouraged. "Higgins CAN proved the strong takeaway message from COP26 that grassroots activism can make a difference. Our message to future governments is that you ignore your communities at your peril. But if governments listen, Australia can lead the world in green and sustainable solutions."Weekly Vigils outside Katie Allen's officeAs soon as lockdown ended in Victoria at the end of last year, a small band of local Climate volunteers began gathering outside Katie Allen office, protesting against the glacial pace of Climate Action in Australia.

Week by week, more people attended the Vigils. Despite another COVID wave, in February this year we began working in earnest towards a Higgins Candidate Forum. This would enable voters to judge the candidates' policies for themselves, and ask questions directly.

Member groups of Higgins CAN worked with the Together We Can campaign, highlighting Climate as a key election issue. According to the campaign's huge Climate Poll, three in four Higgins voters were strongly in favour of moving away from coal and gas, believing Climate Action would improve health and strengthen the economy.

Persistence and humour were two features of our weekly vigils to raise awareness of climate as a key election issue. The Vote Climate fence signs emphasised the benefits of moving to clean energy, and volunteers delivered a campaign flyer, cutting through policy spin, and a flyer publicising the May 5 Forum.

Climate Voices
Why we are Voting for ClimateThanks so much to everyone who contributed out our Climate Voices project.

Alison wants better leadership to deliver Climate Action "rapidly and responsibly, and in a way that ensures no one is left behind". Greg says we are "on a last chance. We need a government that will protect our children’s and grandchildren’s futures." Mary is also concerned about a future our kids: "What sort of planet are they going to live one if we don't take action now?"Jackie says her generation needs "to step up and take responsibility" and Kev wants action: "it's not too late to make a difference. Giving up is a cop out". Helen wants "leaders who can see the seriousness of our situation and turn it into a positive. "It’s time to stop propping up outdated fossil-fuel industries and to kickstart a stronger, safer renewables-based economic future."Tam says: "This election will be the most important one in my life, and I’m in my seventies! I imagine it’ll be the most important in yours, too. We have to vote correctly this time." Ben is voting climate to preserve the amazing things around the world that he has experienced, and Heather is voting climate "in order to get a government that will work harder on Climate issues, help the world reduce carbon emissions and make the future less scary for our children."

With fires and floods upper most in the public mind, Climate becomes the top vote-determining issue according to Vote Compass. Voters want Climate Action not just talk, and look hard at incumbents' voting records.

Committee member Lynn Frankes was so encouraged by the result. "I am so pleased we have avoided a Trump like lurch to the right. My faith in the Australian public is restored. I am confident Higgins Climate Action Network contributed to the result in Higgins. We raised the profile of Climate Change as an issue in the electorate and gave voters the information they needed to vote for Climate Action. Katie Allen may have been a moderate but she voted with Barnaby Joyce on Climate, leading us towards catastrophic Climate Change."

Who would have thought? Volunteering is a great way to make connections. We achieve more by pooling our skills and working together! We all gained from the creativity and enthusiasm in our group and the support of our local organisations contributing to this new project.We're so grateful for some post-election thoughts from some of our wonderful Higgins CAN volunteers:"Congratulations to you all. A marvellous, generous community effort."
- Marion"Thanks to all in this dedicated team with talents applied so well to winning this campaign! Have a good rest... so happy!"
- Sally"I am so thankful for your organisation! We can briefly rest and celebrate, before taking action to get the feds to improve their game!!"
- Paula"Congratulations. Your people were a fantastic presence."
- Diana"It’s thanks to you and your organising that others like me had a means to do our little bit, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity. Well done all of you that helped mobilise this constituency, achieving such an encouraging result."
- Ruth"Such a great result for Higgins! I was so happy to help out last week. Well done for all your hard work! "
- Emma100% renewables
Clean energy and the shift away from fossil fuels was a key theme of the campaign

Accelerating the shift to clean energy is a key demand of the campaign. People in Higgins want faster climate action and are very worried about Climate impacts on their health, and on the world we will leave for our kids.Barbara, one of our key volunteers commented "It’s clear there’s been a real shift in awareness of Climate Change. We can be grateful that our contribution has played out in the election results. Because of my involvement with Higgins CAN, I understand what Barack Obama meant when he said: ‘we are the ones we have been waiting for.’ Thank you all!"

Street Conversations and letterboxing were integral to the Higgins campaign, even if it meant clocking up many kilometres on foot for some dedicated volunteers!Higgins CAN are greatful for the fantastic feedback we have had about our flyers and campaign material."I would like to thank you for the fantastic flyer we got in the letterbox with the summarised information about the climate policies that the various candidates have. As a family we used it to discuss and examine our beliefs and knowledge. It was immensely helpful. It also helped when we did an early vote this week. One of the best bit of voting material we received during this campaign!"
- Jane

The Climate Choir supported the Higgins campaign at several events. You can read more about the Day of Action on April 28 here, where constituents urged Dr Allen to come to the Higgins Candidates Forum and the choir serenaded her to say 'yes'.Dr Will Howard, a member of Higgins CAN and Doctors for the Environment, spoke about the need for urgent Climate Action, and following the science, which means emissions reduction by 75 per cent by 2030.The Higgins Candidate Forum on May 5
The Forum was a real opportunity for candidates and their parties to highlight their Climate policies and to be accountable to the electorate. The whole Forum is available on YouTube here.

Dr Catherine Pendrey moderated the Candidates Forum. Her distinguished career includes serving on the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the Asia Pacific, and the Boards of Doctors for the Environment Australia and Climate and Health Alliance.You can read more about the Higgins Candidate Forum here.

Candidates were given considerable notice of the forum, and Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah (ALP) and Sonya Semmens (Greens) accepted quickly, enthusiastic to engage with the electorate. The incumbent, Dr Katie Allen, did not give a formal reply about her attendance for some time. We also chose to invite two candidates with serious Climate policies, Andrew Johnson (Reason) and Alicia Walker (Animal Justice) to attend the forum. Andrew Johnson accepted our invitation with enthusiasm. Very close to the forum, another call to Dr Allen's office gave us formal confirmation that she would not be attending the forum. But we did not give up reaching out for her to come. Then on the night of the forum, less than half an hour before the event was due to start, Dr Allen phoned organisers, saying she could attend for half an hour or so. Higgins CAN hastily re-arranged the program, allowing Dr Allen to speak. Unfortunately she left before she could answer constitutent questions.In her address to forum attendees, Dr Katie Allen stressed her advocacy for Net Zero by 2050. The LNP climate plan was reliant on "technology", particularly carbon capture and storage, and had a 2030 emissions reduction target of 26 to 28 per cent. You can listen to Dr Allen's candidate statement here.Sonya Semmens spoke of the urgency of Climate Action. Her party, The Greens, have a 75 per cent by 2030 target. You can listen to her statement hereDr Michelle Ananda-Rajah stressed Labor's sector-by-sector approach which includes a 2030 emissions reduction target of 43 per cent. You can listen to her statement here.Andrew Johnson (Reason Party) stressed the absolute urgency of acting on Climate. Reason has a platform of Net Zero by 2035 - check out his statement here.After this, all four candidates were required to answer questions from the moderator on emissions reduction targets, the parties' position on new coal and gas, as well as accountability and transparency in government. You can listen to the Forum questions and responses starting here.

Huge thanks to all the Higgins CAN volunteers for organising and helping out at the Higgins Candidates Forum and to our speaker, renewables industry leader Eytan Lenko. Eytan has a deep knowledge of innovation, having spearheaded innovation across three waves of change, the advent of the web, mobile technology and the current impetus towards decarbonisation. Eytan served as the Chair of Beyond Zero Emissions for nine years, creating technical reports about the possibility of 100 per cent renewables, and then more detailed sector-decarbonisation forward reports. You can read more about Eytan Lenko here, and listen to his presentation here.The message is clear - we must electrify everything, and create electricity with wind, solar and other clean energy technologies buttressed by various types of storage in a modern, two-way grid. This will allow Australia to become a clean energy superpower, transforming manufacturing and exports.Virginia Trioli at Malvern Central
As the campaign in Higgins heated up, journalist and ABC broadcaster Virginia Trioli took the temperature of voters in Higgins, speaking of leaked polling showing a substantial shift away from the LNP with the ALP at 51 per cent. Virginia interviewed Higgins CAN member Dr Will Howard who said Climate was a hot topic, enough to shift votes. Why? Because "I am a parent and a grandparent". Check out the tweet string here

During the live broadcast at Malvern Central, Higgins CAN members were spreading the Vote Climate message while Lighter Footprints volunteers handed out an independent scorecard assessment of the candidates' climate policies. Committee member Remy Shergill spoke of climate impacts on family, that the climate crisis is a health crisis.One of the most moving messages was from a man called Mark, who said that this would be his very last election. He had decided to give his vote to local school kids, the future generation. They asked him to vote Green, not Mark's normal practice, because of the Green's more effective Climate targets.

Vote Climate at Pre-poll and Polling Day
For the first time in Higgins, Lighter Footprints (a member group of Higgins CAN) put the Vote Climate message in front of voters at pre-poll and at priority booths on polling day. People were appreciative of an independent assessment of the candidates' position on Climate Action and integrity. The Climate Choir also supported a Day of Action on Saturday 14th of May.Voters really appreciated our presence and the scorecard. Remy commented "Several voters I handed out scorecards to thanked me for it, saying that it was the kind of information they were looking for. This is confirmation if needed that Climate remained a top-of-mind issue, in spite of media – including ABC – downplaying it."

Higgins results - a win for Climate!
On the evening of May 21, it became clear the electors of Higgins had voted for change. Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah is the new MP, with the aid of Greens preferences from a 22.6 per cent primary vote for Sonya Semmens. Dr Ananda-Rajah lifted the Labor primary vote by 2.5 per cent to 28.6 per cent. Dr Katie Allen suffered a 5.9 per cent swing against her primary vote, and ended up with 47.9 per cent on a two-party-preferred basis.Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to the Higgins Vote Climate campaign.
Higgins CAN would like to extend our thanks to all the volunteers who attend our Vigils, supported on social media, letter dropped, handed out Vote Climate material and spoke to people at street conversations, and particularly everyone who staffed pre-poll and polling day booths.Here's more feedback from campaign supporters and volunteers!
"It was a great result indeed. I was delighted to see the overall result for Climate Change Action across the country."
- Lachlan"Congratulations on a great success!! Such a fantastic night and win in so many ways ... You all did a great job and it was a joy to meet you all and play a small part."
- Cynthia"How wonderful to be celebrating these results! What a monumental effort you put in, with Mary, Will, and the others. Two weeks ago, tramping around letterboxing, we could only fantasise. But our most fervent hopes have been realised. I feel privileged to have been part of it."
- JackieWe would also like to acknowledge the support of the local climate organisations that make up the Higgins CAN Committee including Australian Conservation Foundation Malvern Climate Action Group, Australian Parents for Climate Action Boroondara, Australian Religious Response to Climate Change, Climate and Health Alliance, Doctors for the Environment Australia (Higgins), Environment Victoria South Eastern Volunteers (EVSEV), Friends of the Earth Melbourne, Higgins Environment Action Team (HEAT) – a GetUp community group, and Lighter Footprints.

Higgins CAN at Climate Action Saturday with the Climate Choir

Higgins CAN, supported by the Climate Choir took the climate action message to pre-pollHiggins CAN volunteers handed out our campaign flyer while others aided Lighter Footprints in handing out the independent climate and integrity Higgins Candidate Scorecard, including the Candidates' published policies, and the scoring rationale. The scorecard was organised by Lighter Footprints and GECAN.

Why has climate become the top voting issue in Higgins? I guess the answer is simple and complex. Simple, because we are all aware of accelerating climate impacts - the Black Summer bushfires, back-to-back 100 year floods - and complex, because unravelling our dependence on fossil fuels is no easy task.But what is obvious is that Higgins voters are losing patience with government policies that have kept pumping public money into fossil fuel expansion, while we could be supporting the development of large-scale renewables, modernising the grid and getting on with electrifying our houses and transport.

A big thanks to the Climate ChoirThere's nothing quite like some singing (and a bit of humour) to lift the spirits of people waiting in a queue. The dinosaurs were a hit too!

Let's all give ourselves a big round of applause for stepping up at pre-pollThe local community has been terrific, filling all the slots at pre-poll to hand out our material asking people to consider climate when they vote! We are also going to be able to staff priority booths on Election Day, asking people to put our kids first.

There is a real mood for change in Higgins, with people now much more aware of the need for climate action.A very large national poll, with results for each electorate, found that in Higgins, 77 per cent of voters believe that climate action benefits would outweigh any costs involved, and 75 per cent of people believed that climate action would strengthen the economy. People in Higgins want to replace coal and gas with clean energy and storage as the number one solution this decade.

Make your vote count - understanding voting and preferences

If you know a young person voting in their first federal election in Higgins this Saturday, or you need a refresher yourself, this article aims to explain some basics of voting before they, or you, head off to a polling booth.Climate is currently the biggest existential threat to humans, so if you're planning to Vote Climate, research candidate and party climate policies before Saturday.The ABC's Politics Explained: House of Representatives vs The Senate video covers the basics of voting in Australia, and is a good start for someone about to vote for the first time.The national broadcaster's chief election analyst Antony Green has covered more than 90 elections since 1989. Click HERE to see his answers to common questions about voting and preferences.Voting can be daunting if you're not prepared. While how-to-vote cards handed out by political parties and independents can be a helpful guide to cast a formal vote by reminding you to fill out all the boxes, you may not agree with the order of preferences suggested.Lighter Footprints (a member of Higgins CAN) and Glen Eira Emergency Climate Action Network (GECAN) have put out a non-partisan climate scorecard for Higgins candidates. Higgins is a marginal seat, click HERE to read more about why voting Climate is important this election and to view the scorecard.Preferential voting means that the person who wins the most 'first preference' votes may not necessarily win the seat.If you're wondering whether preference deals between parties make any difference, you can learn more HERE.You can also watch this video about voting in the House of Representatives and the Senate.Remember, YOU are free to vote how you choose by numbering the candidates according to your personal preference. Take your time and ensure you follow the Australian Electoral Commission instructions carefully.Below we've listed just the first four preferences on how-to-vote cards being distributed by the three major party candidates in Higgins this election. Remember, all 8 boxes in the Higgins House of Representatives ballot paper need to be numbered from 1 to 8 for your vote to be counted.Katie Allen (Liberal)
1. ALLEN, Katie (Liberal)
2. FORD, Matthew (United Australia Party)
3. WALKER, Alicia (Animal Justice)
4. JOHNSON, Andrew (Reason)Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor)
1. ANANDA-RAJAH, Michelle (Labor)
2. JOHNSON, Andrew (Reason)
3. WALKER, Alicia (Animal Justice)
4. SEMMENS, Sonya (The Greens)Sonya Semmens (The Greens)
1. SEMMENS, Sonya ((The Greens)
2. JOHNSON, Andrew (Reason)
3. WALKER, Alicia, (Animal Justice)
4. ANANDA-RAJAH (Labor)Voting in the Senate
Voting in the Senate can be confusing because you have the choice to vote above or below the line. So it's not a bad idea to go over the basics once more before heading to your local polling booth. Click HERE to read the Australian Electoral Commission's guide on how to vote in the Senate.Good luck! Go out there and make a difference.

Higgins Candidates Forum - democracy in action

Climate is a key issue in Higgins
Higgins Climate Action Network (Higgins CAN) held a successful Candidates Climate Forum on May 5 at Malvern Town Hall with almost 400 people in attendance on a chilly autumn night.You can watch the event on YouTube here and check out our tweet string hereThe event was headlined by entrepreneur and renewables industry thought leader Eytan Lenko.

Surprise forum attendance by MP Dr Katie Allen
The event took an unexpected but interesting turn 20 minutes prior to the 7.30pm event start time when sitting Higgins MP Dr Katie Allen (Liberal) phoned organisers to advise she’d be attending for half an hour.Higgins CAN is pleased Dr Allen attended to outline both her personal and the Coalition’s views and policies about Climate and the LNP proposals for a commonwealth integrity commission.Higgins CAN is a non-partisan alliance of local Climate Action groups and is committed to encouraging our community and political leaders at all levels of government to take effective Climate Action.The forum’s run sheet for the night was hastily adjusted so Dr Allen could attend and present her party’s policies on carbon emissions and other Climate issues. Other candidates at the forum were Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor), Sonya Semmens (Greens) and Andrew Johnson (Reason).Candidate SpeechesDr Katie Allen - Liberal
Dr Allen has written opinion pieces saying climate action is an economic imperative. The long range emissions plan has five stretch targets including hydrogen, batteries and green steel. You can check out Dr Allen's voting record on renewables transition and renewables finance and overall record here.The LNP target is 26-28% by 2030.Sonya Semmens - Greens
Higgins is the most Greens most winnable seat. What are we going to do about the prospect of 50deg days? Greens will set science-based targets, 75% emissions reduction by 2030, with no new coal and gas, not LNP and ALP's 114 new coal and gas mines.Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah - ALP
Climate impacts include eco-anxiety, which is morphing into a "lethal hopelessness". Labor will do sector by sector decarbonisation, including transport, electricity generation and industry, including an EV policy, large scale renewables, and a carbon trading scheme.Labor's 2030 target is 43%Andrew Johnson - Reason
Science should provide the answers. These include no more subsidies for fossil fuels, no new coal and gas, a rapid transition to 100% renewables, phasing out petrol vehicles, net zero by 2030.Eytan Lenko KeynoteAs a software engineer, Eytan in 2009 was looking for engineering tech solutions and worked with Beyond Zero Emissions and worked on the inaugural plan for 100% renewables. He served on the Board of BZE till last year, and help to create the 1 million jobs plan - solving the climate crisis is a huge economic opportunity.We just have to electrify everything and power it with clean energy. This is a future with abundant clean energy, increasing our national security and lowering our costs. We can become a renewable energy superpower, transforming manufacturing and exports. We are in a race for a clean economy and prosperous future.

Forum Moderator was Dr Catherine Pendrey, a proud Higgins local and a former member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network for the Asia Pacific.She’s also:. served on the Boards of: Doctors for the Environment Australia and Climate and Health Alliance
. published research papers address intersection between health, equity and sustainabilityDr Pendrey chose three questions to ask candidates from a long list prepared by Higgins CAN. A summary of candidate answers is below.

Question 1: Emissions reduction targets
The Climate Council says for Australia to contribute its fair share to the world’s efforts to keep warming below 2° C we must reduce our emissions by 75% below 2005 levels by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2035. What are your party’s emission reduction targets and why?Dr Katie Allen (Liberal)
.party’s position is net zero by 2050
. and 24 - 26% by 2030 "but we project it will be between 35 and 38%"Sonya Semmens (Greens)
. Greens are in line with the science -- 75% by 2030
. net zero by 2035
. “The number of human deaths will be directly correlative with how fast we get out of fossil fuels - quite literally, lives depend on the decisions we make here in Australia, which means quite literally lives depend on the outcome of this election.”Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor)
. modelling shows we'll achieve an interim target of 43% by 2030 - aligned with targets of several large economies (Canada, US, EU) comparable to Australia
. the Morrison-Joyce Government is not going to achieve net zero by 2050; their report only gets you down to 85% with 15% based on a possible future technology
. Liberal’s interim target was based on Tony Abbott’s target and on the actions of state and territory governments, not on actions federally
. Australia has an abundance/embarrassment of natural resources and should be doing a lot better
. need to overcome several bottle necks to achieving emissions reduction, the most critical of which is to unify the nation and leave no-one behind.
. if we alienate coal mining communities we will lose our mandate to transitionAndrew Johnson (Reason)
. net zero target by 2030 or sooner - it’s what the community wants and there’s no good reason not to do it
. need the opportunity and leadership to let it happen
. we'll start with energy and move through the rest

Question 2: Future fossil fuel approval and investment
"The international Energy Agency says for the world to achieve next zero by 2050 there can be no more fossil fuel investment and no more investment in new and abated coal power plants. But Australia has well over 100 coal, gas and oil projects as well as several gas basins that are under development, several with government support. How can we view state and federal government emission pledges as genuine when such large-scale expansion is planned?"Andrew Johnson (Reason)
. “That’s a good question, how can we?”
. should be no new coal and gas: you’re not serious about bringing down emissions if you’re digging up more
. have policy to stop the approval or start of new projects
. “In simple terms, we should be following the top half of that question and not the bottom half.”Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor)
. Labor not committing public money to coal and gas projects unless the public sector is willing to fund them
. projects need to meet environmental standards + make economic sense
. will tighten environmental standards that Morrison-Joyce Government has watered down
. major fund managers divesting of coal (eg, Macquarie and BlackRock), so makes no sense for Labor to talk about opening new coal mines to run for 30 to 40 years, because in 30 years we need to be at net zero
. Labor's Empowering Australia Plan is all about renewable energy - does not mention opening up coal or prolonging gas
. need to decide for business as usual under polluting Morrison-Joyce Government or for something better
. political donations: accepts donations from fossil fuel companies and renewable energy companiesSonya Semmens (Greens)
. both major parties will prolong coal and gas because both approved 114 new coal and gas projects, including one which will contribute an additional 13% of emissions (a whole country’s worth of emissions ) into the atmosphere
. if you don’t have a plan to get rid of coal and gas you don’t have a plan for the ClimateDr Katie Allen (Liberal)
. believes in technology and the ability of science and technology to solve problems
. solar panels once prohibitively expensive, now have ultra-low-cost solar at $15 per megawatt
. need to get hydrogen to under $2 a kilogram so we can have hydrogen cars, buses and freight
. need a future fuel strategy that enables both electric vehicles and hydrogen
. free market and private equity bringing up solutions at speed
. sat on Trade and Investment Growth Committee with report showing it’s no longer viable for private equity to invest in fossil fuels. The writing is on the wall
. It will be a slower transition that some would like, but globally we are in the middle of transitioning from fossil fuels led by private equity and enabled by government.

Question 3: Accountability and transparency in government
"There’s been a lot of discussion about the role of transparency and accountability in government, particularly about the potential role for some kind of anti-corruption body. I’d like all candidates to comment on what reforms they could see that would potentially improve the transparency and accountability in our political system - and feel free to reflect specifically on Climate Change and the fossil fuel industry. We know it has come up tonight that fossil fuel companies have donated millions to Australian political parties and in return have received billions in subsidies."Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor)
. “You will get an anti-corruption commission delivered by the end of the year should Labor form government on May 22.”
. incredibly important for the energy transition because billions, if not trillions, of dollars in public and private money will be spent to take us to net zero
. estimated $76 billion will be spent to get us to our 2030 targets - $26 billion public money and the rest will be private money
. this anti-corruption commission will have all the powers of a standing royal commission with retrospective powers as well as prospective powers
. will have the ability to bring anyone forward from a minister to a staffer, from an external agency or a contractor
. will be led by Mark Dreyfus (a previous Australian attorney-General and Queens Counsel)
. there will be public hearings
. refuted claim that Labor approved 114 gas and coal projects: this is not true. These are provisions of licences to explore but from our point of view we have not approved them to full operational status.Sonya Semmens (Greens)
. we first tabled a bill for a federal ICAC 10 years ago and Senator Larissa Waters (Greens QLD) tabled it again in the Senate in 2019
. in full support of a federal anti-corruption commission with teeth, both retrospective and going forward
. in support of rigorous political donations reform
. Greens don’t take donations from big pharma, fossil fuel companies or multinationals or anyone with a vested interest
. Greens have a simple position: you get big money and nefarious money out of politics so that your government serves YOU and not its fossil fuel donorsDr Katie Allen (Liberal)
. I’m a strong supporter of a Commonwealth Integrity Commission
. Government has a 300-page draft and $100 million put aside in the last budget for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission
. additional changes are needed to the draft
. refers to different state ICACs or IBACs available on Transparency Australia ’s website with oversight of where a commonwealth integrity commission sits
. ICAC has a law enforcement arm and a public service and Parliamentary arm: thinks the Parliamentary arm sits too far to the left and would like to bring it more to the rightDr Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor)
. Australia got its worst score by Transparency International last year under the Morrison Government
. "These guys talk a lot but they don’t deliver and Morrison is running away from his responsibility.”
. policy to lower political donations to $1000
. need real-time disclosure of political donationsAndrew Johnson (Reason)
. ICAC is vital
. embarrassing the federal level of our government has the weakest anti-corruption legislation and political donation restrictions and laws
. “We want to go further, I think, than almost any other political party in Australia, we want political donations to end.”
. can’t be just some industries that can’t put their money in politicians pockets, it should be that no-one can put money in politicians pockets
. “As soon as you can get a political in debt to you, you’re inviting corruption. It should be off the table entirely. It’s also going to combat the phenomena of whoever spends the most money winning elections.”
. when one group is able to spend much more than another it does not service democracy well
. if everyone is on a level playing field then the message has to win it, your record has to win it - the things that are really supposed to matter in democracy.
. need political donation laws as well as an ICAC
. wants ministerial diaries to be public so we know who is being met with and who isn’t being met with
. wants to stop revolving door of jobs going from government to industry where they previously had responsibility

Rooftop solar: an electrifying experience

If you’ve been thinking about getting solar for your home and it all seems too hard, independent, expert support is at hand - without the jargon. And it’s free!The Metro Community Power Hub is a one-stop support centre to make choosing clean energy easy for people living in Melbourne. It’s a not-for-profit committed to supporting families step-by-step to quit gas and electrify their homes, and businesses.The Hub provides advice and practical help on clean energy solutions with a focus on solar PV, households transitioning away from gas, and energy bill literacy.Independent Advice
If the process of choosing the right solar system has previously seemed expensive and daunting, Metro Community Power Hub’s new solar program offers discounts of up to 20 per cent below retail prices. Hub energy experts will assess your needs and find a system that suits your situation and budget.MCPH can also connect you with trusted and accredited installers and organise independent quotes.By purchasing a solar system through the hub, you’ll be taking positive action in driving Higgins towards a zero carbon future, saving both money and the planet.Backed by Sustainability Victoria
MCPH is one of seven community power hubs funded by the Victorian Government through Sustainability Victoria to raise awareness and share practical Climate solutions with the wider community. It aims to transform Melbourne with renewable energy.Leading the Hub is the not-for-profit Yarra Energy Foundation. YEF has a strong track record in helping households embrace renewable energy and a reputation for trusted, independent advice.The good news for Higgins residents is that MCPH is committed to equipping local communities with the information and expertise they need to cut emissions in their own neighbourhoods. And if you live in a flat, the hub is currently putting together a solar guide for apartments.Like Higgins CAN, MCPH believes in the power of people to supercharge our community’s transition to a zero carbon future. Independent Advice
Lachlan Hensey, Research Project Officer with MCPH, says the hub can provide tailored independent advice on key considerations needs such as:• Understanding your energy consumption
• Appropriate solar system size for your home
• Panel placement for maximum efficiency
• 3 phase power - is an upgrade required?
• Size of inverter appropriate for your system
• Eenergy savings through home usage times
• Available government rebates if a battery is good value for your home
• How to use your Electric Vehicle as mobile energy storage for your home
• When to use micro-inverter panelsHow do I connect to the MCPH Solar Program?
Check out the Metro Community Power Hub’s websiteOr click here to register for MCPH’s Solar and All-Electric Program
Request a free, personal energy consultation

Eytan Lenko: renewables leader and entrepreneur

Higgins CAN is thrilled and exceptionally fortunate to have Eytan Lenko as our guest speaker at our Higgins Candidates Climate Forum at Malvern Town Hall on May 5.While global warming is the greatest threat facing our existence on this planet, you can hear Eytan explain in person how Australia can thrive by embracing clean Climate solutions as it transitions to a zero-emissions economy.Australia's Opportunity
An entrepreneur with an engineering background who has built his career on anticipating waves of technological change, Eytan Lenko has a deep knowledge of the current state of Australia’s energy transition and is passionate about the exceptional opportunity we have to transform our economy in response to Climate Change.Over the past 25 years, he’s been an innovator and leader across three of the most significant technological disruptions: the advent of the web, mobile technology and the current impetus towards decarbonisation.Eytan understands the practical challenges businesses face to achieve decarbonisation outcomes in a real-world environment. He is a direct investor and advisor to several ambitious clean-tech companies.So you can appreciate the expertise Eytan brings to our forum, here is a brief background about his career.Former Chair Beyond Zero Emissions
Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE) is an Australian based Climate Change solutions think-tank established in 2006 to inspire political leadership and accelerate policy change.It produces independent economic and public policy research on the transition of advanced economies to a zero emissions model and aims to provide detailed pathways for a rapid transition in each major sector of Australia’s economy.In 2015, BZE published the Renewable Energy Superpower report proposing that nations such as Australia, which have abundant renewable energy resources, can be the energy superpowers of the renewable energy era. By making the most of its renewable resources, Australia could be the natural home for an energy-intensive industry, given the ever-decreasing cost of renewable technologies.Eytan left BZE late last year. He made an incredible contribution to BZE during his nine years on the board, the maximum time allowed by BZE’s constitution. He continues to make valuable contributions to the work of Beyond Zero Emissions.Co-Founder and Director Infrastructure Access Managers
Believing green infrastructure has a critical role to play in the decarbonisation of the global economy, Eytan co-founded Infrastructure Access Managers (IAM) in 2019, along with a committed group of investors, economists and climate advocates.He saw the Climate crisis offered unprecedented opportunity for economic investment in assets that provide essential services to communities around the globe.IAM products allow private investors, such as individuals, trusts, self managed superannuation funds and small institutions, to add hard-to-access unlisted infrastructure investment opportunities to their portfolio.Mentor at EnergyLab
For the past two years Eytan has offered his expertise at EnergyLab, Australia and New Zealand's largest climate tech startup accelerator and innovation network dedicated to reaching net zero emissions.EnergyLab connects talented founders to the mentors, advisors, partners, peers and investors they need to succeed through a range of programs and initiatives tailored to overcome the barriers startups face when accessing the technologies and solutions necessary to decarbonise the economy.The hub has developed three unique programs to give cleantech founders exactly what they need at each stage of their journey:
Women in Climate and Energy Fellowship
Climate Solutions Accelerator
Energy Scaleup ProgramDirector at Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN)
Established in 2009, Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network is a member-based organisation helping philanthropists to become more effective environmental grantmakers. By harnessing the power of philanthropy, AEGN aims to increase the amount of funding to projects protecting Australia’s environment and building a sustainable future in this country.AEGN’s trusts, foundations and individual donors share a goal of a world in which people and nature thrive.Co-founder/Director of Outware
Founded in 2009, Outware is one of Australia’s most awarded and fastest growing technology companies which was acquired in 2017 by Melbourne IT. Outware is a leader in mobile software development and has built apps for some of Australia’s biggest brands including ANZ, Google, Visa, AFL and Coles.Eytan and a couple of friends saw the big opportunity in building mobile apps in Australia to meet the needs of corporations. He began coding software apps himself, but the company grew quickly and the small group soon saw the importance of putting their stamp on the culture of the company and defining their vision.You can hear Eytan’s vision for a zero emissions future on the recording of our May 5, 2022 forum.

Higgins Day of Action blog

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Higgins CAN ACTION DAY last Thursday, April 28, to persuade Higgins MP Dr Katie Allen to attend our May 5 Higgins Candidates Climate Forum.Local Climate Action supporters sent emails to Dr Allen, participated in our DoGooder campaign and called her office asking her to attend the forum as their elected federal representative.Those able to attend Thursday’s Vigil outside Dr Allen’s office in Malvern Road, were heartened by the presence of Climate Choir Melbourne, which attended to serenade Dr Allen with Climate songs in the hope she may say “yes”.

Led by Robert Dawlings, the non-partisan volunteer choir is passionate about Climate and known for lyrics such as “coal, don’t dig it” and “We need to build a better future and we need to start right now.”Unfortunately, Dr Allen’s heart could not be softened, and Higgins CAN was advised by staff she would not be attending the forum, when we called her office again late last week.

Anaesthetist and pain medicine specialist Dr Will Howard, a founder of the non-partisan Higgins Climate Action Network (Higgins CAN) and a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia, says while he’s disappointed that Dr Allen has chosen not to attend the forum, he’s “extremely buoyed” by the commitment and enthusiasm of Higgins CAN supporters.“Unfortunately emails and phone calls over many months asking Dr Allen to attend the forum, from organisers and local constituents in this marginal seat, have fallen on deaf ears.”

Dr Howard says 75 per cent of Higgins voters want the federal government to take stronger action to address climate change. Labor candidate Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah and Greens candidate Sonya Semmens are attending the event, along with Reason candidate Andrew Johnson.“Candidates need to show leadership with effective policies to slash pollution by at least 75 per cent by 2030 in order to limit the worst impacts of global warming,” Dr Howard says. “We are encouraging our community to look beyond party spin this election and to vote for evidence-based climate action."

Climate Voices

Higgins CAN is a network of local groups committed to facilitating REAL Climate Action NOW!
We welcome people of all ages, interests and backgrounds who are concerned about global warming and want a clean energy future.Meet some of our Higgins CAN community members who are passionate about promoting effective Climate Action in their local area.

Alison Wright, Glen Iris

"I am voting Climate because Climate Action needs to be taken seriously by our leaders. The evidence is clear, the world is changing. We can do something about it, but need leadership to make it happen rapidly and responsibly, and in a way that ensures no one is left behind.”

Greg Hardisty, Ashburton

"I’m voting for Climate Action because the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and all scientists are telling us we are on a last chance. I believe the situation is desperate.
Australia’s emissions are already 1.4 °C above 1910 levels. We need a government that will protect our children’s and grandchildren’s futures."

Mary Mahoney, Ormond

"I believe in taking action on climate change because it really matters for the future of our children. What sort of planet are they going to live one if we don't take action now? That's why I'm voting climate.”

Jackie Yowell, Glen Iris

"I’m voting for Climate Action because uur generation, the baby boomers in particular, need to step up and take responsibility for fixing the great problems caused, even if unknowingly, to enable us to have such a good life."

Kev Smith, Higgins CAN Committee

"The climate experts (the real ones) say we are in heaps of trouble, but they also say that it's not too late to make a difference. Giving up is a cop out. That's why I'll be voting for 'REAL Climate Action Now!”

Helen Lester, Armadale

"I’m voting Climate because it’s our best chance to limit global warming. We need leaders who can see the seriousness of our situation and turn it into a positive.
It’s time to stop propping up outdated fossil-fuel industries and to kickstart a stronger, safer renewables-based economic future"

Tam Doan, Glen Iris

"This election will be the most important one in my life, and I’m in my seventies! I imagine it’ll be the most important in yours, too. We have to vote correctly this time.”

Ben Wright, Toorak

"I've been lucky enough to have spent much time seeing and experiencing some amazing things around the world. We need to preserve them so that future generations can have the experiences I’ve had. We need to take responsibility for our actions and make changes in our lives. This will be so much easier with a government that helps us.**"

Heather Murray, Toorak

"It's time to step up and take responsibility for our actions. I'm voting Climate in order to get a government that will work harder on climate issues, help the world reduce carbon emissions and make the future less scary for our children.**”

Volunteering for fast, effective climate action

Standing up for what’s important can bring a great sense of purpose to your life.You also get to meet some fabulous locals who share your values.

Vote Climate!

Congratulations to Volunteers and Candidates

Congratulations Higgins!

Higgins CAN extends our congratulations to all the climate candidates and supporters for their efforts during the campaign to accelerate the climate vote.We offer our congratulations to the new MP for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah. You can view Dr Ananda-Rajah's candidate statement and answers to constituent questions on climate at the Higgins Candidate Forum on YouTube here.

Election Day:
huge thanks to all the climate volunteers!

We congratulate all volunteers for handing out the Lighter Footprints and Glen Eira Emergency Climate Action (GECAN) independent climate and integrity Candidate Scorecard at pre-poll and on Election Day!To see what the scorecard looks like and learn more about the Higgins electorate click HERE.

With Climate Action, you can volunteer as much or as little as you are able. Sometimes something as simple as making a phone call or sending an email during an important campaign can make all the difference. Remember, your vote matters too!

Resources

Candidate Forum publicity resources

Want to help bring people to the Higgins Candidate Forum on May 5th?
Click here for self printing resources!

Flyers

Higgins Climate Action Network volunteers are our Campaign and Forum flyers across the electorate!

Flyer Facts

Australia is ranked dead last on climate policy, according to the international Climate Change Performance Index.

Source: ABC News

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75% of Higgins voters want the federal government to take stronger action to address Climate Change.

Source: ACF Climate Poll

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The Morrison government’s 2030 emissions reduction target will fail to limit Climate Change to 1.5 °C.

Source: Climate Action Tracker

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The states are doing the heavy lifting to reduce climate emissions. Effective federal Climate policy and action is urgently needed.

Source: The Guardian

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What's On

Upcoming Events

Malvern Candidates Forum
Ashwood Candidates Forum

We continue to prepare for our Candidates Forums. Details will be posted on our Home Page as they become available.

Here and Now

Victorian election 2022 - climate vigils

Our campaigns in the Malvern and Ashwood electorates are proceeding with pace, and our vigils are flying the flag for climate action. Check out some of the details on our Home Page.

Thursday 18th August - Climate impacts, our health and a way forward

Climate Health Panel led by Dr Catherine Pendrey
Thursday August 18
Catch the online presentation on YouTube here“Climate change is the greatest global health threat facing the world in the 21st century, but it is also the greatest opportunity to redefine the social and environmental determinants of health,” according to the Lancet Countdown.
Online agenda here

"Climate change and extreme heat are serious public health issues. We've seen from COVID-19 that the most effective way to combat public health threats is with a public health response and that's really what we need for climate change and health as well." - Dr Catherine Pendrey

Webinar speakers

Dr Catherine Pendrey: (MBBS(Hons), BMedSci(Hons), GDipEcon, FRACGP) is a GP based in Melbourne.
A former member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Asia Pacific), she has also held senior roles in Doctors for the Environment Australia and Climate and Health Alliance. Catherine is undertaking her Masters of Philosophy in Applied Epidemiology at the World Health Collaborating Centre for Reference and Review on Influenza in Melbourne.

Dr Eugenie Kayak: (FANZCA, MBBS, MSc, MPH) is a Melbourne-based public and private anaesthetist.
Eugenie is also convenor of Doctors for the Environment Australia’s (DEA) national Sustainable Health Care Special Interest Group. She has been involved with numerous sustainable health care publications. Eugenie advocates that the healthcare sector has a duty to lead change across multiple sectors to mitigate emissions and improve sustainability.

Dr Will Howard is a Anaesthetist and pain medicine specialist
Will is a founder of Higgins CAN and a member of Doctors for the Environment Australia (Higgins).“While climate science is complex, the message from the experts is simple: Australia needs to act right now to reduce emissions significantly.”

Tuesday 14th June - Higgins VoteClimate Volunteer Celebration

Congratulations and a huge thank you to all our volunteers!Without all your efforts we could not have done this!Higgins CAN volunteers celebrated our win on Tuesday, June 14, at the Orrong HotelThanks so much for your amazing commitment, enthusiasm and hard work in the lead up to the federal election.

Higgins CAN at Climate Action Saturday, 14th May!

Shout out for our volunteers and the Climate Choir at Pre-poll The weather might have been a bit wild and wet, but we were not deterred as we handed out climate action material to voters, putting climate action firmly on the agenda, with a bit of singing and dancing and general good cheer.Read more here

Thursday 28th March - Day of Action

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our Higgins CAN ACTION DAY last Thursday, April 28, serenading with Melbourne’s Climate Choir, to persuade Higgins MP Dr Katie Allen to attend our May 5 Higgins Candidates Climate Forum. This was on the back of a flurry of calls, and months of emails to her office.Higgins CAN members are not deterred by her refusal - Higgins voters are gathering to hear other candidates vision for change, as we work tirelessly for a safer climate, transitioning to clean energy and gathering the whole community for the very urgent task of reducing emissions.Read our blog on the Higgins Day of Action here

Saturday 5th March - Signage blitz and street conversations at Malvern.

Higgins CAN volunteers helped Friends of the Earth to hand out yellow Climate Action Now signs and talk with locals about Climate on Saturday morning. Whoohoo!After meeting near Giorgios restaurant, on the corner of Glenferrie Rd and High St Malvern, nearly twenty of us spread out in groups of two and three along both roads. And our new 'Climate Action' aprons had their first outing.An interesting hour later, we regrouped and shared stories as part of our debrief.Malvern locals and visitors were very receptive to our message, and took most of the signs that we brought along. The buzz is getting louder!Thanks to all who came along, and to those who worked in the background to make it happen.

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