

A climate activist who spray painted the word “liar” on the windows of Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s electoral office in December last year faced court on Monday.
Zachary Schofield vandalised the office in December 2024 after Plibersek approved a “greenfield” coal mine in Queensland, and extensions to three others, then claimed on social media that the Albanese government hadn’t approved any new coal mines throughout the year.
Appearing at Sydney’s Downing Centre local court yesterday, he was charged with trespassing and destroying or damaging property.
According to police, the 25-year-old unlawfully gained entry to the building housing Plibersek’s office by entering the door when a tenant left.
In a statement issued after her office was vandalised, Plibersek said that acts of vandalism and intimidation were unacceptable.
“All morning, my hardworking staff have been giving statements to the police instead of helping local residents with things such as Medicare, Centrelink, and disability matters, like they usually do,” she said.
“Australia is a great democracy. It’s terrific that we are free to disagree with governments, and with each other. But the way we disagree matters. It should be peaceful, respectful and lawful.”
As Environment Minister, Plibersek has approved seven mines- the Mount Pleasant, Ravensworth, Narrabri and Boggabri mines in New South Wales, as well as the Caval Ridge mine Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coal project, and Vulcan South coalmine in Queensland.
“I think everyday Australians like to see when politicians are actually called out for lying to the public,” Schofield told reporters outside of court. “That was something that I was very happy to do.”
“Telling truth to power”
Schofield was filmed vandalising the office, with the video was uploaded to social media by environmental action group Rising Tide, which he is a member of.
“On the same day as she is approving four new coal projects, the Environment Minister is on social media gaslighting the public about not approving new coal mines,” said Schofield in a statement posted to Instagram. “There is zero difference to the climate between a new coal project at an existing mine, or a new mine. Whether from a new mine or an expansion, new coal is a death sentence for our most vulnerable citizens and Pacific neighbours.”
Schofield presented himself to Redfern police station, red spray paint can still in hand, where he was arrested.
“Unlike our federal politicians I’m here taking responsibility and for my actions and will happily face the consequences because we’re in a climate crisis and this is what’s required to tell truth to power,” he said in a video at the police station.