Musician John Butler criticises Western Australia's climate policies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 08:32 · Archive

Activist musician John Butler has criticised Western Australia's government at a clean energy summit for backing fossil fuel projects whilst claiming to pursue climate action.

Activist musician John Butler has taken the stage at the Global Citizen Now conference in Perth to criticise Western Australia's government climate policies. Using a songwriting analogy, Butler said the state's renewable energy commitments were at odds with its backing of fossil fuel projects. 'The lyrics and melody, the chords and rhythm don't match,' he said, describing the fossil fuel projects as 'ticking carbon bombs'. He also criticised what he called 'the revolving door' between government and industry.

WA Premier Roger Cook attended the summit on Tuesday to promote his government's renewable credentials. When asked why his government faced criticism at the event, Cook said he welcomed diverse viewpoints. 'I want everyone to bring their version about what the clean energy transition looks like, and we can work together,' he said. He likened the conversations about the state's future to a journey that would not be smooth or linear, but one 'that we must all commit ourselves to'.

The two-day summit, backed by the WA government, brought together dozens of experts to discuss clean energy and global development ahead of the COP31 meeting scheduled for November in Turkey.

How it is being reported

• 'It's creepy': rocker's scathing critique of the WestActivist musician John Butler has taken the stage at a clean energy summit to call out a state government for its climate action policies.The West Australian · 20 Oct, 08:07
• 'It's creepy': rocker's scathing critique of the WestActivist musician John Butler has taken the stage at a clean energy summit to call out a state government for its climate action policies.Perth Now · 20 Oct, 08:07

In this story: John Butler · Roger Cook · Western Australia · Perth · Global Citizen Now · Michael Sheldrick

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