Australia must walk the talk on climate commitments in the Pacific this week by stopping new coal and gas projects, the Greens have warned, after details of a Communique agreed to by Australia indicate commitments that are undermined by Australia’s actions.

Lines attributable to Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:

“Australia must walk the talk on climate in the Pacific this week by stopping new coal and gas projects.

“If we don’t change course on coal and gas, big talk will mean nothing to our regional neighbours.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt has called on the government to promise Pacific Leaders that Australia will stop opening coal and gas projects, ahead of the Quad energy meeting with Pacific regional powers in Sydney on Tuesday and the PM’s diplomatic trip to Suva on Wednesday.

Lines attributable to Greens Leader Adam Bandt MP:

“Coal and gas will be the real test for Australia in Pacific diplomacy this week.

“Pacific leaders have been explicit: climate action is key to our nations’ relationship, and climate action means no new coal and gas projects.

The best thing the new Labor government could do to repair the relationship with Pacific is commit to no new coal and gas, Greens Leader Adam Bandt said today.

Pacific leaders have been making clear for years that the good relationship with Australia is dependent on climate action, with a focus on no new coal and gas.