NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge was among 10 people as they demanded the prime minister take action on climate change.
Demonstrators rallied outside Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s official Sydney residence on Thursday, protesting the PM’s overseas holidays as unprecedented bushfires burn across the state.
Some protesters had vowed to camp out on site until the PM returned from holidays until they were confronted by police on Thursday afternoon.
Mr Shoebridge, a NSW Upper House Greens MP, was among those protesters charged with failing to move on.
A protester holding a photograph of her property destroyed by bushfire is arrested outside of Kirribilli House. Source: AAP
He took aim at Mr Morrison, saying it was high time politicians left parliament to join the community demanding climate action.
“I was here on solidarity with these students demanding action on climate change, I think it’s important that at least one politician came out to support them,” he told SBS News after being released.
Climate protesters launched a "camp-out" at Scott Morrison's Sydney prime ministerial residence. However, they were moved on by police. Source: AAP
“It’s about time that politicians got away from the special interests that trap them in parliament and got out and engaged with the community to fight climate change.
“Climate change is real and it’s time politicians did something.”
Mr Shoebridge, who alleges he was trying to comply with police directives to move on when he was arrested, will face Manly Local Court on 16 January.
NSW Greens MP David Shoebridge speaks with police ahead of his arrest and eventual charge. Source: AAP
“This protest was mostly students who were sitting in a cul-de-sac, they weren’t blocking access or getting in the way,” he said.
A NSW Police Force spokesperson confirmed 10 people – including one juvenile – were arrested.
Not all of them were charged, with several of the protesters instead just issued a fine.
Some of the demonstrates were clad in Hawaiian shirts, while others carried placards asking "ScoMo where the bloody hell are ya?" and "When do our firefighters get a holiday?"
Mr Morrison is rumoured to be holidaying in Hawaii with his family.
The Greens MP is led from the scene of the protest by police. Source: AAP
Protesters set up tents outside Kirribilli House. Source: SBS News/Rosemary Bolger
Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack has defended the timing of Mr Morrison's break.
"Everybody deserves a holiday." Mr McCormack said.
"Everybody deserves a break, he worked hard this year, achieved great things for Australia."
However, the decision to take a break during a horror fire season has come under fire.
Protesters say the prime minister's holiday is badly timed. Source: Rosemary Bolger
