pulp mill graffiti

We train 'em young in Australia, stemming right back to the kids who were sent here for stealing a loaf of bread in the 1800s! Thumb your nose at authority... it's the Australian way.

So the youth of Tasmania have been creating a bit of a stir against the pulp mill. They can't vote in the election, but they want the politicians to know they don't want the mill in their backyard when they grow up, and they've been holding protest rallies during school time. (And yes, even with permission letters from their parents some received detention)

Last week in Hobart the rally turned into a spontaneous march in the streets, and the police threatened to charge the 15 year old who organised the event. Right. A 15 year old enterprising enough to organise 500 students to protest against the mill is threatened with court action. Did we just become Tasmania the police state as well as Tasmania the corrupt state? Impressive.

The police action didn't stop students getting in on the act here in my part of the state. Today 350 teenagers gathered to have their say. And to write on the footpath outside the current polies office. I had to laugh... they'd written "Anti pulp mill rally at Civic Square" in giant chalk letters on the footpath... and someone from the sitting member's office had come out with a bucket of soapy water to wash it away. Hilarious! Teenage chalk graffiti got up the nose of the politician. Perfect!

As I said, we train 'em young!