DOCSLIB.ORG

Senate Standing Committees on Economics PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Senate Standing Committees on Economics PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600 Senate Standing Committees on Economics PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600. [email protected] RE: Inquiry into the Governance and Operation of the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility Dear Senators, The Pacific Island Climate Action Network (PICAN) is a network of civil society organizations in Pacific Island countries advocating for climate justice. We welcome the opportunity to make a submission to this inquiry. Our concern relates to the potential for the NAIF to fund infrastructure to facilitate the development of large new thermal coal mines in the Galilee Basin. We are aware that the Adani rail proposal is being considered, as is a similar rail project by Aurizon. Pacific Island nations face the realities of climate change every day, with rising sea levels threatening our very existence. The use of fossil fuels must be reduced immediately to minimise this threat. Using a taxpayer-backed concessional loan facility to subsidise the development of huge coal projects will reduce coal prices, leading to greater consumption and exacerbating climate change. This is clearly against the interests of the Pacific and future generations everywhere. These facts relate to part a. of your terms of reference: The adequacy and transparency of the NAIF’s governance framework, including its project assessment and approval processes; We believe that any assessment process that allows for the subsidisation of climate-change exacerbating projects like these is clearly inadequate. We would also like to bring to your attention the 2015 Suva Declaration on Climate Change, in which Pacific government leaders: “Express grave concern that the continued increase in the production of fossil fuels, particularly the construction of new coal mines, undermines efforts to reduce global GHG emissions and the goal of decarbonising the global economy. … [Call for] a new global dialogue on the implementation of an international moratorium on the development and expansion of fossil fuel extracting industries, particularly the construction of new coal mines, as an urgent step towards decarbonising the global economy.1” 1 Pacific Island Development Forum (2015) Suva Declaration on Climate Change, http://pacificidf.org/wp- content/uploads/2013/06/PACIFIC-ISLAND-DEVELOPMENT-FORUM-SUVA-DECLARATION-ON-CLIMATE- CHANGE.v2.pdf Pacific Islands Climate Action Network Email: [email protected] | Facebook: @CANPacificIslands | Twitter: @CANPacificIs While Australia is not a party to the Suva Declaration, the opinions of neighbouring countries should be factored in to the NAIF’s project assessment and approval processes. Failing to do so will affect Australia’s standing in the Pacific and overall national interest. Outside of the Suva Declaration there have been calls for Australia to end approvals of new coal mines by Pacific leaders, such as former President of Kiribati Anote Tong, the PNG High Commissioner to Australia Charles Lepani and most recently President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dr Hilda Heine.2 As President Heine said, in a recent speech at the Australian National University, "Now is not the time to be debating the science, trashing solar power, or building new coal mines. … I can assure you it does influence the way Australia is viewed in the Pacific. … This not only does your country disservice, it openly weakens your ability to be a force for good on the world stage."3 We encourage the Committee to consider the views of Pacific countries on climate change and work to ensure that the NAIF funds are directed towards projects that reduce rather than exacerbate the risks we face. Yours Sincerely, Krishneil Narayan Coordinator | Pacific Islands Climate Action Network 2 Keany (2015) Kiribati president urges world leaders to adopt moratorium on building new coal mines, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-19/kiribati-president-urges-world-leaders-moratorium-coal-mines/6953930 Iggulden, (2016) Paris Agreement: PNG calls for Australian coal mining slowdown as new climate deal looms, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-22/paris-agreement-to-be-signed-amid-png-protest/7348676 Fettes (2017) Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine says Australia's standing in Pacific 'at risk' over climate change debate, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-17/marshall-islands-urge-australia-to-support-climate- change/8533434; 3 Fettes (2017) Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine says Australia's standing in Pacific 'at risk' over climate change debate, http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-17/marshall-islands-urge-australia-to-support-climate- change/8533434 Pacific Islands Climate Action Network Email: [email protected] | Facebook: @CANPacificIslands | Twitter: @CANPacificIs .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Kiribati Bilateral Relations
    India-Kiribati Bilateral Relations Background The concurrent accreditation of Kiribati was transferred to High Commission of India, Suva in October 2011. Prior to that High Commission in Wellington was concurrently accredited to Kiribati from September 1992. High-Level Exchanges FIPIC: The Forum for India-Pacific Island Countries was inaugurated on 19 November 2014 at Suva. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India also hosted the First Summit of the Forum in Suva (Fiji) during his historic visit to Fiji on 19 November 2014. The Forum saw participation of 14 Pacific Island Countries. Kiribati delegation was led by former President Hon. Anote Tong, attended the Summit. FIPIC-II: As a follow-up of the historic first FIPIC Summit in 2014, India organized the second FIPIC at Jaipur on 21 August 2015, which was hosted by Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Building upon the success of the first FIPIC, India announced major initiatives to boost cooperation with the 14 Pacific Island countries. Kiribati delegation led by Mr. Teekoa luta, Advisor on Asia, attended the Forum. Interaction with PSIDS at New York: On 24 September 2019, on the sidelines of the UNGA, Prime Minister of India Hon. Narendra Modi held an interaction, first of its kind, with the leaders of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS). This high-level exchange will be followed up with the third Summit meeting of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), which is scheduled to be held in the first half of 2020. India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IPISDC): Government of India organized the India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference (IPISDC) at Suva, Fiji on 25-26 May 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change and Challenges to Self- Determination
    THE YALE LAW JOURNAL FORUM FEBRUARY 24, 2020 Climate Change and Challenges to Self- Determination: Case Studies from French Polynesia and the Republic of Kiribati Tekau Frere, Clement Yow Mulalap & Tearinaki Tanielu abstract. This Essay examines the nexus of climate change (including related natural phe- nomena such as ocean acidification) and self-determination, particularly for low-lying atoll states and other entities at the front lines of climate change. The Essay begins by briefly surveying the current state of international law and literature on self-determination. The authors adopt a view of the right of peoples to self-determination as a jus cogens norm, which all members of the inter- national community are obligated to respect and uphold for all peoples. The Essay highlights the linkages between that view of self-determination and the enjoyment of several core human rights that are dependent on a healthy environment. Prominent among these is the right of a people, under international law, to freely dispose of their natural resources as they see fit, in pursuit of that people’s economic, social, political, and cultural development. The Essay then unpacks this argu- ment by examining two case studies. The first case study centers on French Polynesia, where peo- ple’s vulnerabilities to climate change and related natural phenomena hamper their right to freely dispose of their natural resources. The second case study examines the Republic of Kiribati, where climate change and related natural phenomena pose a risk to the Republic’s status as a state, at least under a classic conception of international law, because they have led to a defeatist narrative regarding the Republic’s future.
    [Show full text]
  • Amerimuncvi BG Kiribati.Pdf
    © 2018 American University Model United Nations Conference All rights reserved. No part of this background guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means whatsoever without express written permission from the American University Model United Nations Conference Secretariat. Please direct all questions to [email protected] Hayden Schutt Co-Chair Hello Delegates, Welcome to AmeriMUNC and the Kiribati committee! My name is Hayden Schutt, and I will be one of your co-chairs this session. Abby and I are so excited to meet all of you and to get started! Whether this is your first conference or last, I completely understand all of the emotions that can go along with stepping into a new environment or saying goodbye to something that has been very impactful on your life. I am a freshman here at American University and am currently pursuing a major in CLEG (Communications, Economics, Law, and Government). I call Minnesota my home, so please feel free to laugh or acknowledge my accent that becomes present whenever I say words with“long vowel” sounds (*Bagel, Bag, *Minnesota, etc.)! While in high school back in MN, I was heavily involved in the YMCA’s Youth in Government program. As a senior, I served as the YMCA’s Youth Governor for their Minnesota program and attended many state and national conferences. Government is one of my passions, and I am looking forward to going back to Model United Nations with all of you! Throughout this conference, I encourage you to step outside of your comfort zone and challenge yourself.
    [Show full text]
  • Opening Statement at the High-Level Event On
    United Nations Nations Unies T HE PRESIDENT OF THE GEN ERAL ASSEMBLY LE PRESIDENT DE L’AS SEMBLEE GENERALE 29 June 2015 Statement of H.E. Mr. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the General Assembly, at the Opening of the High-Level Event on Climate Change Your Excellency, Mr. Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati, Honourable Ministers, Excellencies, Mr. Secretary-General, Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to welcome you all to this High-level Event on Climate Change. I particularly welcome His Excellency, Mr. Anote Tong, President of the Republic of Kiribati, and the Honourable Ministers joining us today. The presence of so many high-level participants and the active engagement of Member States show the importance we collectively attach to addressing climate change. One of the key priorities I selected for the 69th session is climate change. In my acceptance speech in June last year I underscored that climate change is one of the defining global challenges of our times and that this session would give impetus to the ongoing process under UNFCCC. This high-level event, at the mid-point between the twentieth Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP 20), held in Lima, and COP 21, to be held in Paris, provides a unique opportunity to take stock of the work done so far and keep the momentum towards reaching an ambitious and universally- binding climate change agreement. It will also aim to promote climate action to slow global warming and limit greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), through concrete initiatives and multi-stakeholder approaches.
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Instability in TUVALU & NAURU
    By Lisepa Paeniu Outline The issue of instability Parliamentary structures of both countries Options that could be introduced Executive Instability Motions of vote of no confidence in the Head of Government MPs defect from Government to join Opposition Instability includes: Different HoG A change in the Ministerial portfolios of Cabinet, or a new Cabinet altogether or just a new PM/President Tuvalu Year Prime Minister 1978-1981 Toaribi Lauti 1981-89 Tomasi Puapua 1989-92 Bikenibeu Paeniu 1993-96 Kamuta Latasi 1996-99 Bikenibeu Paeniu 1999-2000 Ionatana Ionatana 2000-2001 Faimalaga Luka 2001-2002 Koloa Talake 2002-04 Saufatu Sopoaga 2006-2010 Apisai Ielemia 2010 Maatia Toafa 2010-11 Willy Telavi Why is exec instability an issue? Economy suffers Lack of continuity of policies International obligations Implementation of reforms inconsistent Termination of civil servants Public confidence undermined Political Systems in Tuvalu and Nauru Westminister parliamentary systems Nauru has 18 MPs,Tuvalu has 15 MPs No formal political party system Both have HoG selected by majority in Parliament Speakers are elected as MPs No control/consequence for MPs that cross the floor No limit on when an MP tables a motion of no confidence Options 1. People to vote for PM directly (Kiribati Constitution) Section 32 of the Constitution 1979 – 1991 H.E Ieremia Tabai, GCMG (Nonouti) 1991-1994 H.E Teatao Teannaki (Abaiang) 1994-2002 H.E Teburoro Tito (South Tarawa) 2003- current H.E Anote Tong (Maiana) 2. The office of the Speaker filled by a non-elected MP (Niue Constitution) Options 2 3. MP who crosses floor to resign from Parliament and a by- election to be held (Electoral Act 1967 Samoa) 4.
    [Show full text]
  • The Appointment and Removal of the Head of Government of the Kiribati Republic
    The Appointment and Removal of the Head of Government of the Kiribati Republic. A Report for Daphne Caine MHK, October 2019. Professor Peter W Edge, School of Law, Oxford Brookes University. [email protected] Professor Jennifer Corrin, Centre for Public International and Comparative Law, The University of Queensland Law School. [email protected] Professor Claire de Than, Jersey Law Commission. [email protected] Creative Commons License: BY-NC-ND I. Executive Summary. This report examines the unique arrangements for the appointment and removal of the President of the Pacific state of Kiribati, in the context of political, historical and social factors. It outlines the potential for similar mechanisms to be introduced in the Isle of Man, while remaining aware of the significance of the constitutional, geographical and cultural differences between the two jurisdictions. The report concludes that the dual effect of a vote of no confidence in Kiribati’s model, which triggers not only a new Presidential election but also a fresh general election for the legislature, provides a measure of balance between competing democratic mandates. However it is not the only option, and refinements could be made. Requiring a special majority for a vote of no confidence in the President without triggering a general election may also be considered. Attention should also be paid to identifying the desirable number of presidential candidates, and to how they are to be nominated. II. Kiribati and its Constitutional Development. Kiribati, officially the Republic of Kiribati, is a sovereign state in the Pacific, constituting 33 islands spread over 3 million km in the central Pacific Ocean, with more than one third of the 72,000 population living on one island.1 It is categorized as part of Micronesia, which includes other island archipelagos, such as Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia.
    [Show full text]
  • Media and the Politics of Climate Change in Kiribati: a Case Study on Journalism in a “Disappearing Nation”
    Media and the politics of climate change in Kiribati: A case study on journalism in a “disappearing nation” Taberannang Korauaba February 28, 2012 Pacific Media Centre, School of Communications, AUT University A thesis submitted to Auckland University of Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Communication Studies. 1 Abstract __________________________________________________________________ Although the Pacific nation of Kiribati has been identified as one of the most vulnerable countries to the impact of climate change, little is known about the attitudes of the local media and the public toward this issue. This is in contrast to empirical studies‟ findings which have shown that the public and the media were aware of the threats posed by climate change. Aware of and concern about are very different from „we care and let‟s do something because it is our country‟. President Anote Tong and his growing focus on this issue – centred on his close relationship with the foreign news media – have increasingly cast his I-Kiribati people as the victims and thus further marginalised their ability to learn about climate change. Further to this, there is no connection with what Tong has declared overseas with his government‟s 2008-2011 Development Plan. This thesis argues that Kiribati is not united on climate change. Traditional, cultural and religious beliefs about land, environment and sea, and division among educated elites and political parties are some of the key barriers to communicating and receiving climate change stories. The government‟s closed door policy, top down approach and its one-way communication have restricted the media‟s access to information relating to climate change, and more importantly how 'climate funds' are distributed in the country.
    [Show full text]
  • Chinese in the Pacific Islands in the Twenty-First Century Ron Crocombe
    CSCSD Occasional Paper Number 1, May 2007 The Fourth Wave: Chinese in the Pacific Islands in the Twenty-First Century Ron Crocombe The Pacific Islands have seen four main waves of people who came through what is now the nation of China at some stage of the multi-millennia journey of all of them from the Middle East to the Pacific Islands. The Austronesian Connection1 The first Austronesians to reach the Pacific Islands were those whose ancestors left the area of modern China more than 10,000 years ago to occupy the island of modern Taiwan, which was connected to the Chinese mainland until 8000 or so years ago. Those on the mainland were displaced by Han Chinese, but Austronesians remained the only people on Taiwan until the 1500s. Some of them left Taiwan up to 6000 years ago and expanded slowly through what are now the eastern Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Pacific Islands. Austronesians were not the first people in the Islands. Papuans preceded them by about 40,000 years, in what are now West Papua, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Solomon Islands, and the Torres Strait Islands. Papuans are still the most numerous Pacific Islanders by far, although Austronesians are more widespread. In that long journey past China and Taiwan, the Austronesians evolved into a new people, with elements of Papuan and probably other genes and cultural traits incorporated in them. During the past 5000 years they spread throughout what is now Polynesia, Micronesia and coastal Melanesia. The passage through China and then Taiwan was irrelevant for Austronesians from the time they left, but is now relevant to relations with Taiwan, where many Austronesians still live.
    [Show full text]
  • Kiribati 2004
    National Integrity Systems Transparency International Country Study Report Kiribati 2004 Lead Consultants Peter Larmour and Manuhuia Barcham Asia Pacific School of Economics and Government Australian National University Canberra ACT 0200 AUSTRALIA Transparency International National Integrity Systems 2004 Publication Details Author: Ueantabo Neemia MacKenzie Acknowledgements: The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance of Mr Tabwea Teitiniman, a former MP and currently President of the Kiribati Association of Non-Governmental Organisations, who assisted with the collection of data and information from ‘people in the know’ in many sections of Government and the community. Special thanks to all who willingly gave their time to answer questions in the questionnaire from the Office of the Beretitenti, the High Court, Attorney General’s Office, Kiribati National Audit Office, Maneaba ni Maungatabu, Ministry of Finance, Headquarters of the Kiribati Police Force, Broadcasting and Publication Authority, the Kiribati Protestant Church, the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiribati Association of Non-governmental Organisations. Kam bati n rabwa. Any defect of the paper is my own responsibility. Biographic details: Dr Ueantabo Neemia MacKenzie is Director of the Kiribati Centre of the University of the South Pacific. Prior to his present appointment, he was Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand from 1995 to 2001. Dr MacKenzie is a graduate of the University of the South Pacific and the University of Wollongong. First published 2004 by Transparency International Australia P.O. Box 41 Blackburn South Victoria 3130 Australia http://www.transparency.org.au ISBN 0 9578921 6 0 This work is copyright.
    [Show full text]
  • Temporary Labour Mobility in Australia and the Pacific Islands a Discussion Paper by Union Aid Abroad October 2017
    Union Aid Abroad APHEDA The global justice organisation of the Australian union movement TEMPORARY LABOUR MOBILITY IN AUSTRALIA AND THE PACIFIC ISLANDS A discussion paper by Union Aid Abroad October 2017 14011_Union Aid Abroad Document Oct 2017_V2.indd 1 1/11/17 4:16 pm Temporary labour mobility in Australia and the Pacific Islands © Copyright Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA First published by Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA in 2017 Level 3, 377-383 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia www.apeda.org.au Design: Metrographics Authored by: Katie Hepworth and Nic Maclellan for Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA 14011_Union Aid Abroad Document Oct 2017_V2.indd 2 1/11/17 4:16 pm Union Aid Abroad 1 Contents Page 2 Executive summary Page 5 Introduction Page 8 PART ONE: THE RISE OF TEMPORARY LABOUR 1. Pacific workers on the move 2. Temporary labour migration in Australia 3. Temporary migration and exploitation in the horticulture sector 4. The Pacific Seasonal Worker Program Page 18 PART TWO: WORKER EXPLOITATION AND UNION RESPONSES 5. Risk of worker exploitation in the SWP CASE STUDY 1: Bonded contracts CASE STUDY 2: Right of return in Canada 6. Union involvement in the SWP CASE STUDY 3: Union solidarity CASE STUDY 4: Portable union membership Page 27 PART THREE: NEW FRONTIERS FOR PACIFIC LABOUR MIGRATION 7. Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) 8. Alternative visa schemes for Pacific Island workers in non-seasonal sectors 9. Skilling up for labour mobility: the Australian-Pacific Technical College (APTC) and the Australian aid program CASE STUDY 5: KANI Page 33 PART FOUR: CLIMATE CHANGE AND LABOUR MIGRATION 10.
    [Show full text]
  • Strengthening Gender Considerations in Kiribati's National Adaptation
    Strengthening Gender Considerations in Kiribati’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process Prepared by: Julie Dekens, IISD December 2017ember 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 2 Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................................................ 3 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4 2. National Development Context ................................................................................................ 5 3. Gender Equality Planning......................................................................................................... 7 4. Status of the NAP Process ...................................................................................................... 10 5. Connecting the Dots: Lessons Learned on the Linkages between Gender Equality and Climate Adaptation ............................................................................................................................ 13 6. Opportunity and Gap Analysis Related to Gender Considerations in the KJIP .......................... 15 7. Recommendations for Kiribati’s NAP Process ......................................................................... 18 8. Recommendations for the Revision of the KJIP ......................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Global Media Release, Anote Tong
    PRESIDENT ANOTE TONG; Is in his third term as President of Kiribati . In 2008, under his leadership EMBARGOED MIDNIGHT 17 September 2012 Kiribati made a grand gift to the world: it declared 150,000 square miles of its Phoenix Islands marine area a fully GLOBAL MEDIA RELEASE protected marine park, making it off limits to fishing and other extractive uses. The Hillary Institute of International Leadership today announced its 2012 global Hillary Laureate ; His Excellency, Te Beretitenti, This ocean wilderness (the size of California), has been designated a UN (President) Anote Tong of Kiribati. World Heritage Site. It has been descr- The Institute’s international board, the Hillary Summit, has selected President ibed as one of the most pristine parts of our blue planet, with rich biodiversity Tong as its 4 th annual Hillary Laureate awardee and the first for Leadership in including an abundance of healthy corals, “Climate Equity” , which is the Institute’s Leadership focus until 2015. Former sharks, grouper, tuna, giant clams and Hillary Laureates are Jeremy Leggett (UK-2009), Peggy Liu (China-2010) and other species that have been depleted in Aimee Christensen (USA-2011). Ms. Liu also won the Hillary Step prize earlier much of the rest of the world. this year. Says Institute Chairman David Caygill: FORCED MIGRATION “No nation symbolises more dramatically than Kiribati Most of Kiribati’s 113,000 people are both the impact of climate change and the inequity of crammed on to Tarawa , the admini- that impact on different nations. President Tong has strative centre, a chain of islets which been tireless in his efforts to draw these concerns to the curve in a horseshoe shape around a attention of the world.
    [Show full text]