August 16th, 2019

​My Dear Prime Minister,
 
Your attendance at the recent pacific leaders’ conference in Tuvalu was very important to show Australia’s commitment to issues that affect our near neighbours, for whom we have always recognised some responsibility.
 
We expected and hoped that you might show some real leadership, but we have been sadly disappointed.
 
When it was suggested that you might need to answer to the pacific in terms of Australia’s upward trending emissions, you said you were answerable to the Australian people.  That is why I am writing.  Between 60 – 70% of us want much stronger action on climate change. You do not appear to be at all responsible to us.  Who are you being responsible to?
 
You have correctly said that changes in Australia’s policy alone will not stop the effects of climate change. Of course not. But if every country in the world has this attitude, we will remain on a path which will decimate much of our region – and beyond. 
 
As a wealthy nation with many options, that if implemented, at worse will only marginally affect our g.d.p.in the short term and hugely improve our financial position in the long term we must set an example that puts pressure on others to follow.  Why are we laggards rather than leaders?
 
I am grateful you have condemned Alan Jones for his appalling diatribe, but the truth is many of us see in Jacinta Ardern the qualities of leadership we long to see exhibited in Australia.
 
Please stand up and show genuine leadership rather than mouthing little slogans.
 
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
 
 
Bishop George Browning PhD DLitt