Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell says an Opposition proposal for Australia to accept refugees from Pacific islands affected by climate change is absurd.
The Opposition says Australia must do more to help Pacific islands meet the challenge of climate change. Labor spokesman Anthony Albanese says the Federal Government should set up an international coalition of countries prepared to take refugees if islands are swamped by rising sea levels. "What we have with climate change is nothing less than a slow moving tsunami that will swamp our region," he said. He says Australia should mobilise Pacific rim countries to accept refugees, if islands are swamped. "If our neighbours' countries are literally drowning. It's inconceivable that Australia would say 'well, we won't do our fair share'," he said.
Senator Campbell says Australia is already working closely with Pacific island nations. "Real practical measures, not saying, you know, man overboard, let's desert the islands and get to Australia," he said. He says Australia stands ready to assist Pacific islands in need and is already providing scientific help. "The pull the doona up, say it's all too hard, evacuate the Pacific, Labor way, is an absurdity," he said. The Government has ruled out creating a new immigration category for environmental refugees.
The Opposition also wants assistance for islanders to
move to higher ground within their own countries and a Pacific centre to monitor the effects of climate change. (emphasis added) It is calling for the Government to help protect fresh water supplies and infrastructure from rising sea levels.
EDIT
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1542508.htm
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
