Thousands of students have walked out of classrooms today to demand action on climate change.

Dozens of rallies have been held across Australia as students protest the destruction of their future.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan says they should have stayed in school.

“Students leaving school during school hours to protest is not something that we should encourage,” Mr Tehan said.

“Especially when they are being encouraged to do so by green political activists.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the protests should have been on a weekend.

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