19 Apr 2022 7:05 AM AEST – Media alert: Torres Strait Islanders to deliver thousands of messages calling for climate action to Warren Entsch
Media alert: Torres Strait Islanders to deliver thousands of messages calling for climate action to Warren Entsch
On Tuesday April 19th, Torres Strait Islanders will travel to Warren Entsch’s office in Cairns to deliver 1,800 postcards, calling for him to pledge action to protect the Torres Strait from climate impacts. Each of the 1,800 postcards features Torres Strait Islander art and bears a message from Torres Strait Islanders and supporters from across Australia to Warren Entsch, and they will be handed over to Entsch’s office following a rally.
According to Daniel Billy, Warraberalgal man from the Kulkalgal Nation in the Central Torres Strait and Traditional Owner, “I have travelled from my island home of Warraber to deliver these messages because I would like to see climate action for Zenadh Kes, not just words or promises. I would like to see the future generations of Zenadh Kes be safe on our Island home for the coming thousands of years.”
When: 11am, Tuesday April 19th
Where: Warren Entsch MP’s Cairns electorate office, 200 Mulgrave Road, Cairns QLD 4870
Photo opportunity: 10 Torres Strait Islanders, including Traditional Owners who have travelled from Warraber, and supporters rallying outside Warren Entsch MP’s office, with 1,800 postcards bearing messages to Warren Entsch from Torres Strait Islanders and supporters across Australia
Media contact: Lucy Manne, lucy@350.org.au 0417 387 516
Background:
Torres Strait Islanders are on the frontline of the climate crisis, and urgent action is needed to ensure they can remain on their Islands. Rising sea levels, king tides, erosion, inundation and coral bleaching are threatening the homes and cultures of Torres Strait Islander people, while the Australian Government refuses to address the climate crisis.
Our Islands Our Home is a campaign led by Torres Strait Islanders to protect their island homes.
As part of this, eight claimants from Zenadh Kes (Torres Strait Islands) also known as the #TorresStrait8 have brought a human rights complaint against the Australian Federal Government to the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations over the Government’s inaction on climate change.