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https://theconversation.com/peter-duttons-climate-policy-backslide-threatens-australias-clout-in-the-pacific-right-when-we-need-it-most-254385>
"Australia’s relationship with its regional neighbours could be in doubt under
a Coalition government after two Pacific leaders challenged Opposition Leader
Peter Dutton over his weak climate stance.
This week, Palau’s president Surangel Whipps Jr suggested a 2015 gaffe by
Dutton, in which he joked about rising seas lapping at the door of Pacific
islanders, had not been forgotten. Speaking at a clean energy conference in
Sydney, Whipps said the Pacific’s plight was “not a metaphor or a punchline.
It’s our fear and reality.”
And Tuvalu’s Climate Change Minister, Maina Talia, this month criticised Dutton
for suggesting a joint Australia–Pacific bid to host global climate talks next
year was “madness”. Talia said Dutton’s comments caused Pacific leaders to
“question the nature of our friendship” with Australia.
Both Labor and Coalition governments have worked hard this decade to cement
Australia as a security partner of choice for Pacific nations, as China seeks
to expand its influence. Australia’s next government must continue this work by
signalling an unwavering commitment to strong climate action."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
