A climate activist who painted the word “liar” on the federal Environment Minister’s office said he is unrepentant and has encouraged others to follow his example by acting on their principles.
Zack Schofield, who says politicians are “lying to the public”, used red spray paint to deface Tanya Plibersek’s electoral office in Sydney in December.
The events were filmed and broadcast on social media by Rising Tide, an activist group behind a major blockade of the coal port in November that led to more than a hundred arrests.
Schofield turned himself in after indicating to the media that he planned to visit a local police station, an action that was also filmed and uploaded to social media.
The 25-year-old law student, who was charged with trespassing and destroying or damaging property, appeared in Sydney’s Downing Center Local Court on Monday.
He proudly told reporters that he took full responsibility for his actions, which were partly spurred by comments from Ms Plibersek on Instagram that the Albanian government had not approved any new coal mines by 2024 – which is true.
“Under her watch, she has approved seven,” he said, referring to mine expansions approved by the federal government rather than new mines.
These include MACH Energy’s Mount Pleasant mine, Ashton Coal Operations’ Ravensworth mine, Whitehaven Coal’s Narrabri mine and Idemitsu’s Boggabri mine in NSW.
Zachary “Zack” Edward Jaworowski Schofield (pictured) took a can of red spray paint to Tanya Plibersek’s office in December
The climate activist who painted the word ‘liar’ on the federal Environment Minister’s office in Sydney (pictured)
In Queensland, the federal government has given the green light to expansions at BHP Mitsubishi’s Caval Ridge mine, Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coal project and Vitrinite’s Vulcan South coal mine.
“Everyday Australians love to see politicians actually called out for lying to the public,” Schofield said outside court.
“That was something I really enjoyed doing.”
Police allege Mr Schofield unlawfully gained entry to the office complex housing Ms Plibersek’s election office by entering the door as a tenant moved out.
He then walked into Redfern police station to reveal his actions; still with the can of spray paint in hand.
Police allege the law student unlawfully gained entry to the office complex where Ms Plibersek’s office is located by entering the door as a tenant was leaving
He said his actions were partly spurred by comments from Ms Plibersek (pictured alongside Anthony Albanese) that the government had not approved any new coal mines by 2024.
“The most important thing to note is that, unlike our federal politicians, I am 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 it takes to speak truth to power.”
A spokeswoman for Ms Plibersek said no new coal mines had been approved in 2024, noting that the projects signed by the government were all expansions of existing mines.
These expansions would have to meet Australia’s net zero targets and strict environmental conditions, she added.
“They will all be assessed against the government’s tough climate protection laws, which the Greens and independents helped design and voted for,” the spokeswoman said.
Ms Plibersek previously said vandalism and harassment were ‘completely unacceptable’, and that the graffiti had distracted her staff from helping the community with issues such as Medicare, Centrelink and disability support.
“The way we disagree matters,” she said. “It must be peaceful, respectful and lawful.”
Schofield, a law student, represented himself in court.
He was granted a reprieve after telling the clerk that he had only just hired a lawyer.
His case will go to trial on February 3.