Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has acknowledged the new Australian Labour Government’s stance on the issue of climate change.
Australia’s newly elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was sworn in this morning and his campaign listed climate change as one of its main issue of priorities.
Mata’afa said this is one vital area that links Australia to the Pacific.
She noted the new Government will bring changes to the climate change discussion which is very important to Samoa and the Pacific region.
The Pacific Islands have had very little commitment from the previous Australian Prime Minister on climate change not only within the Pacific Forum but the recent COPs 26 in Glasgow.
Mata’afa also noted that Australia, despite the changes in Government will continue its partnership with the Pacific islands on various developments.
“It is the norm with any country when there’s a change of Government, the partnership and communication continues,” said Mata’afa.
It will be the same with Samoa, she said.
Compared to the four months of uncertainty and delays in the Faatuatua ile Atua Samoa ua Tasi – FAST Government taking office after the general election last year, Mata’afa hailed the quick and smooth transition of power in the Australian Government after the weekend general elections.
“What a pleasant transition of Government with former Prime Minister Scott Morrison accepting the country’s decision and congratulated the new Government compared to the crisis Samoa went through after her election last year,” she said.
Scott Morrison conceded defeat when the results were known and congratulated Anthony Albanese in the weekend and Albanese was sworn in monday
Perhaps the smooth transition in Australia was due to them being used to changes of Government whereas Samoa was led by one Government for a very long time.
Albanese is described by commentators as a superb negotiator and coalition builder.
For Samoa and the Pacific Islands, they will be eyeing how he would negotiate a path through roadblocks that have held Australia back for a decade on climate change.
SOURCE:TALAMUA ONLINE/PACNEWS
