Climate change: John Hewson accuses Coalition of 'national disgrace'

Former Liberal leader says climate should be dominant issue of election campaign rather than ‘short-term politicking’

The former Liberal leader John Hewson addressed an estimated 2000 people protesting in the Sydney suburb of Double Bay – minutes from Malcolm Turnbull’s harbourside mansion – calling on the prime minister to take stronger action on climate change.

Speaking at the same time as Turnbull addressed the party faithful at the Coalition’s campaign launch, Hewson told protesters the Coalition’s lack of action on climate change was a “national disgrace”.

Related: Business and academic leaders urge new conversation about coal-free future

A sizable crowd in @TurnbullMalcolm's electorate calling for stronger action on climate change. @murpharoo pic.twitter.com/KYR58Mtp7W

Protesters turn their coral around to symbolize its bleaching. "Choose the reef not coal," they chant in Double Bay. pic.twitter.com/iAhUuM4RZj