Pollies beholden to fossil fuel lobby

A group of inter-faith leaders believe Australian politicians are beholden to fossil fuel companies.

On the anniversary of the Pope's call-to-arms on climate change, leaders from Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhism faiths say the major political parties have failed to take adequate action despite overwhelming public support.

"We are left to conclude that the influence of the fossil fuel lobby is a major impediment to the necessary policy changes," said Reverend Stephen Pickard, executive director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.

The group say they are saddened to see damage to the Great Barrier Reef, which they see as a sign of the spiritual dimension of life, and its future put at risk by coal mine development.

They have called on the coalition and Labor to uphold commitments made in the Paris Agreement.