Australia lets greed get in the way of friendship with Timor
Today's passage of the Greater Sunrise legislation marked a black day in the history of Australia's relationship with East Timor, according to the Australian Democrats.
Democrats Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, said that the Government's bullying of East Timor in relation to the Timor Sea was inconsistent with the strong affinity which the Australian people felt towards the people of East Timor.
"It is ironic that the Australian Government played such a crucial role in helping East Timor achieve legal independence but is now acting like Bushrangers for Oil," said Senator Stott Despoja.
"For the sake of its own greed, this Government is helping itself to resources that potentially belong to the poorest nation in our region.
"While the Government of East Timor struggles to provide basic services to its people, the Australian Government will make $8.5 billion from this deal.
"There is now overwhelming evidence demonstrating that the Australian Government is not dealing with East Timor in good faith.
"It refuses to comply with international law and has also refused monthly meetings with East Timor to finalise the maritime boundaries.
"The Government's conduct towards East Timor is attracting international criticism and has the potential to seriously harm Australia's reputation within the international community.
Where the Australian community could once be proud of our relationship with our newest neighbour, we now have reason to hang our heads in shame, Senator Stott Despoja said.
