A climate activist who graffitied the word ‘liar’ on the federal environment minister’s office said he is unrepentant and has encouraged others to follow his lead by acting on their principles.
Zachary ‘Zack’ Edward Jaworowski Schofield, who says politicians ‘lie to the public’, took a can of red spray paint to Tanya Plibersek’s Sydney electorate office in December in a highly publicised action.
The events were filmed and broadcast on social media by Rising Tide, an activist group behind a major coal port blockade in November that led to more than 100 arrests.
Schofield handed himself in after flagging with the media his intention to attend a local police station, a move that was also filmed and uploaded to social media.
The 25-year-old, who was charged with trespassing and destroying or damaging property, appeared at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.
He told reporters he took full responsibility for his actions, which were partially spurred by comments made by Ms Plibersek on Instagram that the Albanese government had not approved any new coal mines in 2024 – which is true.
‘Under her watch, she’s approved seven,’ he said, referring to mine extensions that were approved by the federal government.
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 graffitied the word ‘liar’ on the federal environment minister’s Sydney office (pictured)
In Queensland, the federal government green-lit expansions for BHP Mitsubishi’s Caval Ridge mine, Jellinbah Group’s Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coal project and Vitrinite’s Vulcan South coal mine.
‘I think everyday Australians like to see when politicians are actually called out for lying to the public,’ Schofield said outside court.
‘That was something that I was very happy to do.’
He added that more people should stand up and act on their principles.
Police allege the law student unlawfully gained entry to the office complex in which Ms Plibersek’s office is located by entering the door when a tenant left.
Still holding the can of spray-paint after the alleged vandalism, he later walked through the doors of Redfern police station.
Police allege the law student unlawfully gained entry to the office complex in which Ms Plibersek’s office is located by entering the door when a tenant left
He said his actions were partially spurred by comments made by Ms Plibersek (pictured beside Anthony Albanese) that government had not approved any new coal mines in 2024
‘The important thing to note is that unlike our federal politicians, I’m 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’s required to tell the truth to power.’
A spokeswoman for Ms Plibersek said no new coal mines had been approved in 2024, noting the projects signed off by the government were all extensions to existing mines.
These expansions would have to comply with Australia’s net-zero targets and strict environmental conditions, she added.
‘They will all be assessed against the government’s strong climate safeguard laws that the Greens party and independents helped design, and that they voted for,’ the spokeswoman said.
Ms Plibersek previously said vandalism and intimidation was ‘completely unacceptable,’ and the graffiti had distracted her staff from helping the community with matters such as Medicare, Centrelink and disability support.
‘The way we disagree matters,’ she said. ‘It should be peaceful, respectful and lawful.’
Schofield appeared alone and represented himself in court.
He was granted an adjournment after telling a registrar he had only just retained a lawyer.
His case will return to court on February 3.
