Is it effective? On 15 March 2022, federal minister Sussan Ley successfully appealed against a 2021 Federal Court of Australia decision that the minister has a duty of care to young people when assessing fossil fuel developments. As bushfires and floods continue to impact young people’s lives in Australia, many young people see it as their responsibility to keep the issue of the climate crisis on the agenda. SS4C Australia continues to operate with planned strikes, sit-ins and social media events. According to a study from the University of Sydney, ‘Students learn through their participation in striking, in contrast to the often-insufficient climate change education taught in schools.’ At the time of publication, SS4C is still going strong, empowering young people to take action. 17.2 SkillBuilder activity COMMUNICATING Effective communication during an expression of dissent promotes critical thinking skills and encourages open dialogue and discussions between individuals. When individuals express dissent, they highlight issues of concern that may not be addressed explicitly by mainstream media or communication platforms. By identifying areas of concern, individuals who demonstrate dissent can influence policy decisions and promote social awareness and participation. With a partner, choose a topic from the topics offered below, and construct a short argument describing: • a potential concern or issue it can raise • the overall impact • a potential solution. Don’t forget to consider your target audience to support effective and relevant communication. Select from: • access to free education (funding and curriculum changes) • access to free healthcare (the funding and management of public health services)
• racial considerations (multiculturalism, Indigenous rights) • gender considerations (women’s rights, workplace equality).
17.2
Exercise
Learning pathways LEVEL1 1, 3
LEVEL2
LEVEL3
2, 5
4, 6
REMEMBER AND UNDERSTAND 1. Complete the following passage by selecting the correct words from the options provided. As showing attitude / dissent / rebellion / obedience is an essential part of democratic society, it is reasonable / unreasonable that some groups and individuals would feel the need to voice their opposition to government policies and decisions. 2. a. Identify some of the limits or bounds of law. b. Explain how they could reasonably be placed on dissent in the Australian society. 3. Explain what we mean by ‘direct action’ as a form of political activity. A. When the government makes a change based on protests B. Taking violent action during a protest C. Some form of public protest or demonstration of disapproval regarding an issue or government policy D. All of the above
TOPIC17 Australia’s government and democracy 503
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