Mrs Forcey, co-founder of the Bayside Climate Change Action Group, says politicians should heed some of her parenting advice.

"As a parent my kids haven't always liked my decisions or rules that I've made up for them, but I always made them with their best interests in mind," she says.

"The Government has to do the same. Some of the decisions may be costly and they might not be popular but they have to do it in the best interests of our children. They're going to have to make some strong decisions and show some strong leadership."

The Government has faith in the markets, which has to mean paying higher prices for water, road use and energy - how else is the market going to change our consumption behaviours? But 'consumer confidence' is the lowest it's been since 1993 so the Government will not dare to be seen to be raising prices any further.

Maybe some form of 'domestic tradable quota' for oil and energy use can break this vicious cycle, tackling the over consumers while rewarding those who make do with less. Unfortunately, it's not the kind of 'free market' approach likely to be favoured by Australian Governments - far too complex and still too many losers so the status quo is easier.

But Ms Hart (no relation) reminds us that ducking hard decisions is not good enough:

Ms Hart, who established Locals Into Victoria's Environment in the City of Port Phillip two years ago, will attend the rally with her sons, Richie, 10, and Zach, 8. "We have a climate emergency and we have governments who are just carrying on with business as usual," Ms Hart says. "And it's not OK with me."