Pirate Party Australia is critical of the Abbott Government’s “anti-knowledge” approach, after the Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority approved a proposal to dump three million cubic metres of dredge spoil into the waters surrounding the Great Barrier Reef despite expert advice against it[1].

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Authority has stated that it will “use the best available science, knowledge and information to support environmental policy, regulation and conservation outcomes”[2]. Scientists and conservation lobbyists advised the Authority against granting approval in a letter to the Chairman of the Authority dated 29 January 2014. In this letter, it was declared that “The best available science … makes it very clear that expansion of the port at Abbot Point will have detrimental effects on the Great Barrier Reef”[3].

“Not only is this an environmental issue, it also highlights the current Government’s contempt for evidence and research,” said Melanie Thomas, Pirate Party candidate for the Seat of Griffith. “What is the point of consulting with environmental experts if you ignore their advice? This Government is doing all it can to avoid making decisions informed by scientific evidence and instead clinging recklessly to ideologies based on feelings and opinions instead of substance.”

The letter is also critical of claims that catchment work will be able to offset the five million tonnes of dredged sediment that will be dumped, suggesting that it is “very unlikely to be possible with the limitations of budget and workforce.”

The Pirate Party’s own environmental policy seeks to “underpin a transparent, scientifically-informed approach to land management” and includes marine park areas[4]. UNESCO has already expressed concern for the Great Barrier Reef and requested that “Australia ensures that the property remains well protected”[5].

“Pirate Party Australia is committed to the continuing protection of the Great Barrier Reef in line with the already existing World Heritage Site listing. I will be actively seeking repudiation of the Marine Authority approval if elected,” Ms Thomas concluded.

The Griffith by-election will be held on Saturday, 8 February 2014.

[1] http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-31/abbot-point-spoil-dredging-approved/5227774
[2] http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/4577/GBRMPA_ServiceCharter2011_2015.pdf
[3] http://fightforthereef.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Jan14_ScientistsStatement_FINAL.pdf
[4] https://pirateparty.org.au/wiki/Policies/Environment_and_Animal_Welfare
[5] http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1099