The Climate Change Movement versus the Howard Government
Despite the adverse forecasts predicted by scientists, the Australian Government is persistent in offering tax breaks and grants for research and development to support the Australian coal industry. In addition, the Government has failed to initiate a significant compulsory renewable energy target or to support the Australian renewable energy industry (Hall & Taplin 2007, p. 96). Throughout the 20th and 21st century, social movements have played roles in fighting injustice. This essay will explain what an interest group is and what roles interest groups play, particularly the roles played by both the non-government organisations (NGOs), who represent the public in the mobilisation of the climate change movement and the groups who support fossil fuel and mining industries in the development of public policy. This essay will argue that despite the
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Interest groups are an association of persons or organisations that work together to influence public policy, they accomplish this goal either, directly by lobbying the Government at the time or indirectly by creating pressure on the Government through guiding and rallying social movements. An interest group is a collaboration of organisations or individuals, their goal is to influence public policy and Government decisions. Interest groups empower individuals by granting them a collective voice in the democratic system, without the need for seeking election (Fenna 2014, p. 259). An individual can attempt to influence Governments by themselves, however, it is more effective to target Governments using interests groups. Interest groups include, trade unions, business