Like a great many other people, I was enormously heartened by the school strikes last week, when thousands of youngsters gathered for a peaceful protest against political inaction on climate change.

Based on surveys from all walks of life around the globe, our children are just reflecting the majority opinion on climate change and the ballot box is at stake.

With their future in the firing line even more than ours, in my opinion it’s good that they speak out and expose the deafness of entrenched politicians.

Sure, we’d all prefer a government that did a good job and not bother us.

But what we’re seeing is rapidly degenerating politics – a situation seriously in need of regular people finding their voice again.

And how wonderfully clearly our young people expressed themselves last week.

I’m not advocating ongoing protests. But the message is unmistakable, calling on politicians across the board to hear the future speaking, and do the job they’re employed to do by serving the nation and not just themselves.

Down south, the Victorian election has been touted as a win for Labor.

But it’s more likely what’s being offered makes the difference, with some genuine talk about values, honesty and really getting things done that’s so appealing.

I know I don’t speak for everyone, but truly, amid all the criticism about bullying and bad behaviour, how chronically deaf must a government be to accelerate those trends this week?

Even walking out on a new MP’s maiden speech, slagging students for their passion, perpetuating jobs for the boys, and refusing to address a toxic culture?  

In the clever language of one of the student signs: “I’ve seen better cabinets at IKEA”.

More power to those who are actually listening to our wise youngsters.

Cr Intemann’s stories from a civic heart are her opinions, and not necessarily council’s.