ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact
Greens leader Adam Bandt has called on the federal government to address what he described as the climate consequences of foreign military activity, following the confirmed presence of Chinese warships in Australian waters.
Speaking in Melbourne on Thursday, Bandt said the government had failed to respond adequately to the environmental impact of naval operations conducted by the People’s Liberation Army Navy.
“These warships are burning heavy crude oil and releasing massive amounts of carbon into the atmosphere,” Bandt said.
“With great respect to our friends in China, it is unacceptable that the government has not raised this issue in its diplomatic discussions with Beijing.”
Three Chinese naval vessels were detected off the Australian coast earlier this month, prompting concern from defence officials. The warships included a guided missile destroyer, a frigate, and a supply ship.
Bandt said that while security agencies were focused on the geopolitical implications of the fleet’s movement, there had been little attention paid to the environmental cost of prolonged maritime patrols.
“Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time,” he said.
“Whether emissions come from a coal-fired power station or the exhaust stack of a foreign warship, they still contribute to global warming.”
When asked if the Greens were concerned about the strategic nature of the Chinese presence, Bandt said those matters should be dealt with through diplomacy and international law.
“Our job is to hold the government to account on its climate commitments,” he said.
“That includes calling out polluters wherever they may be, even if they happen to be floating in our waters.”
The Department of Defence has declined to comment on Bandt’s remarks.
The Prime Minister’s office has also not responded to questions.
More to come.
