Howard Demonstrates Environmental Hypocrisy

Adelaide, Australia – Monday, 3 July 2000: The World Conservation Trust today accused the Australian Government of environmental hypocrisy after an attempt to usurp the authority of a key United Nation’s body.

IWMC – World Conservation Trust President Eugene Lapointe said the Australian government was trying to seize the authority of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Committee on International Fisheries initiative for the conservation of seabirds, including the albatross.

The Australian Government had recently protested a move by the United States to place the Australian koala on the endangered species list.

“The Australian Government saw this as an affront to its national wildlife conservation policies.

“Australia can’t have it both ways. If the government wants its sovereignty over its indigenous wildlife respected by other countries, it must give respect to those entities the world has entrusted with the management of global species,” he said.

Mr Lapointe said Australia was similarly pushing for the creation of a South Pacific Whale Sanctuary where fishing and subsistence whaling for food would be forbidden.

“Australia’s self proclaimed love of whales, seabirds and the oceans is laudable. But denying other nations and cultures their right to self-determination is wrong.

“The Australian Prime Minister is on the public record promoting tolerance and regional diversity.  Why is he backing away from commitment on this international issue?

“We call upon him to show leadership and demonstrate he can facilitate his well known commitment to promoting diversity among nations and peoples.�