Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
4:21 pm
I move:
That the Senate—
(a) notes that the Minister for the Environment, Ms Price, made offensive remarks to former President of Kiribati, Anote Tong;
(b) further notes that former President Tong has a long history of advocating on behalf of his people, his country and the Pacific, who will be first and worst affected by climate change; and
(c) calls on the Federal Government to apologise to former President Tong, commend him for his heroic actions on behalf of his people, and take seriously the threat of climate change in the Pacific region.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Anne Ruston SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific
Minister Price addressed this issue in question time during the previous sitting of this parliament. She spoke to past President Tong and she apologised. He thanked her for her call. Australia values its strong relationship with Pacific nations, including Kiribati.
Sue Lines Deputy-President
The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1165, standing in the name of Senator Hanson-Young, be agreed to.