Commissioner for Children and Young People Ambassadors Consultation Summary

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Acknowledgement of Country

In recognition of the deep history and culture of this Island, we acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal people as the traditional and original owners, and ongoing custodians of lutruwita/Tasmania and pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging.

Thank you

The Tasmanian Climate Change Office would like to thank all Commissioner for Children and Young People Ambassadors of Tasmania who attended an event or provided feedback on the independent review of Tasmania’s climate change legislation and development of Tasmania’s next climate change action plan. Thank you also to all the parents, carers, educators and friends who supported the Ambassadors to take part in the consultation.

Background

From cargo bikes to cows

In early 2021, members of Tasmania’s Commissioner for Children and Young People (CCYP)’s Ambassador Program expressed an interest in having more opportunity to talk to decision makers on issues including climate change and the environment.

The CCYP Ambassador Program provides an opportunity for children and young people to have their voices heard on how things could be improved for young Tasmanians.

CCYP Ambassadors range in age from 9 to 17, come from all regions in Tasmania and from varied backgrounds.

In May and June 2021, the Tasmanian Climate Change Office (TCCO) met with CCYP Ambassadors to listen to their opinions and concerns as part of consultation on the independent review of the Climate Change (State Action) Act 2008 (the rules) and the development of Tasmania’s next climate change action plan (the actions).

Four face-to-face consultations were held across the State:

• Devonport: 31 May (10 attendees)
• Launceston 1 June (7 attendees)
• Hobart 3 June (8 attendees)
• Hobart 4 June (21 attendees)

A fifth consultation was also held online on 7 June (5 attendees).

We received an overwhelming response, with 424 ideas being collected across a large variety of topics.  Of main concern to the CCYP Ambassadors were:

• the use of single-use plastics
• changing people’s behaviours
• preparation for a changing climate
• more readily available environmentally friendly public transport
• education

The CCYP Ambassadors discussed at length the effects of cow farts and burps, the need for more efficient and sustainable public transport, cargo bikes as a new transport alternative, compulsory recycling in schools and the wider community, and the need for better climate change education for everyone. The biggest issue raised throughout the consultation by CCYP Ambassadors was that we need “more action on climate change” and that the “decisions we make today will determine our future”.

Next: Key themes by region