Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce to face three days of protest by church groups, students, over climate action

A flock of Tamworth religious leaders and squadron of students have organised multiple separate independent protests on Friday, Sunday and Monday to pressure the Deputy Prime Minister over climate policy.

The rallies will take place on the same weekend the National Party he leads decides whether to back a commitment to reduce Australia's emissions to net zero by 2050.

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The weekend of protest will begin with Tamworth Parents and Friends for Climate Action, who will take part in a national 'climate strike' on Friday.

On Sunday and Monday, both Tamworth Uniting Churches will take part in a wave of over 110 actions in Australia and around the world coordinated by the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. They expect to be joined by green-minded church-goers of other faiths.

The 10am rally takes place two weeks before world leaders travel to Glasgow for the major United Nations Climate Change Conference COP 26.

Tamworth-based Reverend John Brentnall, who helped organise the events, said they want to encourage the government to "come kicking and screaming to net zero by 2050".

He said government needs to set an ambitious near-term target on top of the 30-year goal.

"The scientists are telling us that we need to at least halve pollutions by 2030," he said.

"Part of our message is really step up and move from the 26-28 per cent by 2030 to more like 50 or 60 per cent. Because otherwise the planet will be cooked."

On Monday, the churches will hold what is described as a vigil with the same objective, again in front of the Peel Street office.

On Friday, Tamworth Parents and Friends for Climate Action will read children's stories about saving the planet, sing songs and deliver letters to Mr Joyce.

Parent, Tessa Rainbird, said Australia is ranked last in the world on climate action, and called on the National Party to commit to a net zero target by 2050 and a 75 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030.

"If we do not take action now, Australia risks being left behind, resulting in economic and climate impacts beyond what we can comprehend," Ms Rainbird said.

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"We don't want our region, or our country, to be held back by Mr. Joyce."

In response to the protests, Mr Joyce said the party room debate would be about two issues.

"First we look through the eyes of the nation and we say, 'does this leave the nation in a stronger position or a weaker position?' And then the next question after that, of course, is the regional people," he said.

"We want to make sure that where we end up is a position that takes our people forward, that is so vitally important."

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