Australians will go to the polls on May 3 with high costs of living and a shortage of housing key issues likely weighing against the government.

The Australian government has taken a major step toward implementing a key climate policy that would force chief greenhouse gas polluters to reduce emissions.

The Australian government says it is confident its greenhouse gas reduction target will be enshrined in law after negotiating amendments with senators from outside the new administration’s ranks.

Australia’s Parliament has sat for the first time since May elections with the new prime minister determined to have a greenhouse gas reduction target enshrined in law.

The Global Climate Strike is the third in a worldwide series of climate rallies organized by school students, and led by 16-year-old Greta Thunberg. Thunberg tweeted: "Incredible pictures as Australia's gathering for the #climatestrike ... Australia is setting the standard!" "As young people, it is our time to rise up and add our voices together in demand for urgent climate action. Outdoor clothing brand Patagonia has said it plans to shut down its operations on Friday to allow employees to join the Global Climate Strike. ET, where a roster of young climate activists will speak, including Thunberg, who sailed to New York to attend the UN Climate Action Summit.