Hearings for the potentially gamechanging Australian Climate Case are taking place on Country in the Torres Strait (Zenadth Kes) this week, from Monday 5 June to around 19 June. Guda Maluyligal plaintiffs Uncle Pabai Pabai and Uncle Paul Kabai from the islands of Boigu and Saibai will give evidence of the climate harms experienced by these communities on the frontline of Australia’s impending climate disaster.
In this significant next step of the landmark case, hearings will take place on Boigu, Badu and Saibai islands and in Cairns. Community members will give evidence and the court will tour the islands to witness the climate damage already occurring; the cultural sites, food supplies, homes and ways of life already in jeopardy. The Court will hear from Zenadth Kes witnesses about their connection to their islands and the consequences if their homelands are lost.
Uncle Paul and Uncle Pabai continue a proud Torres Strait history of fighting for their rights through the courts. It seems only fitting that these hearings commence immediately after the Torres Strait and broader Australian communities remembered the nation-shaping work of Eddie Mabo during Mabo Day on Saturday 3 June.
Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul are seeking orders from the court that requires the Federal Government to take steps to prevent this harm to their communities, including cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the best available science.
Read the media release with quotes from the plaintiffs and legal team, and full details of the case.
Key Facts:
Hearing dates, for community lay-evidence:
- Boigu 5-7 June
- Badu 8-9 June
- Saibai 12-14 June
- Cairns 15 June - TBC
The court proceedings will be (audio-only) live streamed.
The livestream link for the hearing will be posted on the Federal Court website’s daily list on the day of the hearing. Details will be made available here: fedcourt.gov.au/court-calendar/daily-court-lists
For more information on the Australian Climate Case, visit the website: australianclimatecase.org.au
View the case timeline
Read the Federal Court’s simplified summary of the case
Download images, video footage and audio grabs here
About us:
This case is supported by the Grata Fun. Grata Fund removes the financial barriers that prevent public interest test cases from going ahead. Grata Fund has supported successful cases on issues related to First Nations housing and water rights, Freedom of Information, refugee detention, climate change and disability rights.
Contact details:
For more information or to request interviews, please contact Terri King at Pitch Projects on [email protected] or 0488 036 740.