Climate protesters try to arrest minister

Climate protesters have attempted to conduct a citizen's arrest on Resources Minister Matt Canavan in Cairns.

The Extinction Rebellion protesters found Senator Canavan outside of a cafe in Cairns, as the prime minister meets with state and territory leaders in the city.

"You're under arrest Mr Canavan, we're taking you into custody for crimes against humanity," a woman can be heard telling the minister in footage played on Sky News.

"You're a climate criminal so we'll require you to come with us, thank you."

The minister appears bemused as he wraps up his coffee meeting and leaves the cafe.

The protesters continue to yell "climate criminal" at Senator Canavan as he walks down the Cairns street, waving placards at him with the same slogan.

The COAG meeting is being held at the Cairns Convention Centre, where about two dozen protesters gathered to call for action on climate change.