Ministers in Canberra trudged ahead with Question Time in Federal Parliament as climate protesters made their voices heard from the public galleries.

An outfit calling itself the Coffs Coast Climate Action Group claimed credit.  Members said they wanted to call on MPs to examine their consciences over their actions in this age of rapid climate change.  One member, Uniting Church deacon Jason John, said it was cynical of politicians including the prime minister to ask Australians to try and reverse the drought by praying for rain, but refusing to do what was already within their power to fight global warming.  He also questioned which God they prayed to:

"I am not afraid of a lump of coal but I am afraid that some of our nation's leaders seem to worship it," said Deacon John.

At least ten members of the group stood up to shout their concerns.  As each was led from the gallery by security, another would stand up and take their place.  The protesters accused lawmakers of dishonesty and implored them to "stop lying to us" and "take urgent action".