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Showing Up Matters: Reflections from a Local MP Meeting

Last week, I joined fellow parents Hugh and Meg to meet with our local MP for Fenner, Andrew Leigh, to share what members of the Canberra local group want to see in this term of government.

Together, we managed to cover a lot of ground in a short time.



We talked about more renewable energy and making sure everyone has access to solar and batteries, as well as banning new coal and gas mines and cutting tax incentives for the mining industry.

We were glad to be able to bring these priorities directly to one of our local representatives.

After the meeting, the three of us had a debrief — and I wanted to share a few reflections for anyone considering doing the same.


 

It’s okay to feel disappointed — do it anyway.

Meeting with a politician, especially from a major party, can be disheartening. These conversations often go something like:
Us: “We need more ambitious climate action.”
Them: “We’re already doing enough,” or, “It’s complicated.”

So… what’s the point?

Here’s what I’ve come to realise: we’re building pressure. MPs know the climate movement exists — they see the news, they read the polls. But when everyday parents show up in person, with kids in tow, and say, “We support this, and we want more,” it hits differently. It puts a human face to the movement.

We might not walk away with policy wins, but we plant a seed. Next time they see a protest, read an article, or speak with colleagues, they’ll remember — people in their electorate care deeply about this. And they’re watching.



 

You don’t need to be an expert.

We didn’t come armed with detailed reports or technical arguments. We simply spoke as parents. We shared what concerns us and how we care about climate action. That’s powerful.

If you're thinking about meeting your MP, know this: you don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show up and speak your truth.

 


 

Use your frustration as fuel.

If you leave a meeting feeling frustrated, let that feeling move you.
✅ Tell the MP — respectfully — that you were disappointed.
✅ Share your experience with others.
✅ Write about it.
✅ Channel that energy into action that leaves you feeling hopeful.

You’re not alone in this. We’re building a movement — and these conversations, even the tough ones, make a difference.


 

Our MPs work for us.

What would you like your MP to do for your family, your community, your future over the next three years?

Let’s tell them — together.

📩 Want to meet your MP and not sure where to start? Reach out:
📬 [email protected]

📍Live elsewhere? Find your local Parents for Climate group here:
👉 Find your local group

 


 

New to MP engagement? Join our free upcoming workshop!

Whether you’re brand new to meeting with MPs or have some experience, our upcoming MP Engagement 101 Workshop is a great place to learn, connect, and feel supported.

👥 Meet other parents and grandparents from around the country
💡 Get practical tips on building constructive relationships with MPs
💬 Hear stories, ask questions, and feel confident to take the next step

Choose the session that suits you best:

🌞 Daytime session
🕧 12:30pm AEST / 12pm SA & NT / 10:30am WA
📅 RSVP here

🌙 Evening session
🕢 7:30pm AEST / 7pm SA & NT / 5:30pm WA
📅 RSVP here

 


 

Showing up matters

Not because change happens overnight, but because it starts with people like us, choosing to speak up.

Let’s keep going — together.

 


 

About Jess



Jess Oakeshott is a mum living on Ngunnawal/Ngambri country, where she leads the Canberra Parents for Climate local action group. She's passionate about living more sustainably and empowering others to work towards the change they want to see. You can connect with Jess and the Canberra group on Instagram, Facebook and join their mailing list here.



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