A climate activist who graffitied the word “liar” on the federal environment minister’s office has stood by his highly publicised actions, urging the public to stand up for their beliefs.
Zachary “Zack” Edward Jaworowski Schofield took a can of red spray paint to Tanya Plibersek’s Sydney electorate office in December.
The events were filmed and broadcast on social media by Rising Tide, the activist group behind a high-profile coal port blockade in November that led to more than 100 arrests.
Schofield handed himself in after flagging with the media his intention to attend a local police station, a move that was also filmed and uploaded to social media.
The 25-year-old was charged with trespassing and destroying or damaging property, and he appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre local court on Monday.
The Ashfield man told reporters he took full responsibility for his actions, which he said were partially spurred by comments made by Plibersek on Instagram that the Albanese government had not approved any new coalmines in 2024.
“Under her watch, she’s approved seven,” he said, referring to a string of mine extensions that were given the tick of approval.
They include MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant mine, Ashton Coal Operations’ Ravensworth mine, Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri mine and Idemitsu’s Boggabri mine in New South Wales.
In Queensland, the federal government green-lit expansions for BHP Mitsubishi’s Caval Ridge mine, Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coal project and Vitrinite’s Vulcan South coalmine.
“I think everyday Australians like to see when politicians are actually called out for lying to the public,” Schofield said outside court. “That was something that I was very happy to do.”
More people should stand up and act on their principles, he added.
Police allege the law student unlawfully gained entry to the office complex in which Plibersek’s office is located by entering the door when a tenant left.
Still holding the can of spray paint after the alleged vandalism, he later walked through the doors of Redfern police station.
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“The important thing to note is that unlike our federal politicians, I’m here to take responsibility for my actions and will happily face the consequences,” he said in a video clip at the time. “We are in a climate crisis, this is what’s required to tell the truth to power.”
A spokesperson for Plibersek said no new coalmines had been approved in 2024, noting the projects signed off by the government were all extensions to existing mines.
These expansions would have to comply with Australia’s net zero targets and strict environmental conditions, she added.
“They will all be assessed against the government’s strong climate safeguard laws that the Greens party and independents helped design, and that they voted for,” the spokesperson said.
Plibersek previously said vandalism and intimidation was “completely unacceptable”, and the graffiti had distracted her staff from helping the community with matters such as Medicare, Centrelink and disability support.
“The way we disagree matters,” she said. “It should be peaceful, respectful and lawful.”
Schofield appeared alone and represented himself in court on Monday. He was granted an adjournment after telling a registrar he had only just retained a lawyer.
His case will return to court on 3 February.
Article by:Source Australian Associated Press
