Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack says climate protests should be held on weekends when they are not disruptive to the community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Thousands of people are gathering at rallies around the country on Friday, demanding an urgent escalation in climate change action, ahead of a United Nations summit in New York next week.
"I think these sorts of rallies should be held on a weekend where it doesn't actually disrupt business, it doesn't disrupt schools, it doesn't disrupt universities," Mr McCormack told reporters in Melbourne.
"I think it is just a disruption."
He said students would learn more at school than at a protest rally.
Mr McCormack said the government was taking action to cut emissions and boost the use of renewable energy.
Australian Associated Press