Newcastle Activist Zack Schofield Among Protesters Disrupting Peter Dutton’s Lowy Institute Speech

20 March 2025

A Newcastle activist was among the protesters who disrupted Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s keynote address at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, with one individual being tackled to the ground by security.

Zack Schofield, a climate activist known for his involvement in Rising Tide, was one of the demonstrators who interrupted Dutton’s speech, challenging the Coalition’s nuclear energy policy. Schofield loudly accused Dutton of misleading Australians about the cost of nuclear power, calling out, “Why are you lying to the Australian people about the cost of nuclear?” before being removed by security.

Moments later, a second protester attempted to disrupt the event but was quickly tackled by security. The individual fell into seated guests, creating a brief commotion before being forcibly removed from the venue.

Despite these interruptions, Dutton continued his address, which focused on national security and foreign policy. He argued that Australia must become more self-reliant in its defence strategy and cannot afford to depend solely on allies in times of crisis.

Dutton also reiterated his party’s commitment to strengthening free-trade agreements with key partners, including Israel, Canada, and the European Union. He defended the AUKUS agreement for nuclear-powered submarines, describing it as essential for Australia’s long-term security.

On foreign policy, Dutton voiced strong support for Ukraine, stating that while he does not advocate for Australian troops to be deployed, he believes in providing continued military and humanitarian assistance. He also criticised the current government’s position on Israel, vowing to review funding allocated to certain UN agencies.

Schofield’s participation in the protest reflects ongoing climate activism in Newcastle, where groups like Rising Tide have actively opposed fossil fuel expansion and the government’s energy policies.

The Coalition’s push for nuclear energy has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it is an expensive and unnecessary alternative to renewables. Experts, including the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), have stated that nuclear power would take decades to implement and cost significantly more than wind, solar, and battery storage. Energy Minister Chris Bowen has called nuclear power a “fantasy,” insisting that renewables backed by storage are the cheapest and quickest way to secure Australia’s energy future.

Environmental groups have also weighed in, with the Australian Conservation Foundation warning that nuclear power poses safety risks and would require vast amounts of water, making it unsuitable for many parts of Australia. On the other hand, supporters of nuclear energy argue that it offers a stable, low-emission power source that can provide reliable electricity as coal plants are phased out. Some industry experts contend that while the upfront costs are high, nuclear energy could provide long-term benefits in grid stability and energy independence. Others remain sceptical, pointing to the challenges of waste disposal, lengthy construction timelines, and the availability of cheaper alternatives like wind and solar.

With Australia facing rising energy demands and a need to transition away from fossil fuels, the debate over nuclear power is expected to intensify in the coming months.