Qld senator wants a better response than ‘not our problem’ from government on Conflict Islands issue, and gets one

Pressure is mounting for action to be taken over the potential sale of islands 1000km from Cairns’ shores to a foreign power.

A QUEENSLAND senator has labelled the federal government's response to the possible sale of Papua New Guinea’s Conflict Islands, about 1000km from Cairns, to the Chinese government as “hypocritical” and is demanding it to act.

The Labor government previously shrugged off concerns about the islands’ potential new owners, with a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade saying it’s not the federal government’s issue.

However, Queensland Senator and shadow minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald demanded a better response.

LNP senator and shadow minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald. Picture: Matt Taylor.

“Only months ago, Labor told us that growing foreign influence in the Pacific was a major problem,” Sen McDonald said.

“When someone comes forward worried that their islands, 1000km off Cairns, could be bought by a foreign power, you would think that would set off alarm bells … and garner appropriate response.

“Instead, all we’ve got is shifting of responsibility. This is highly concerning to Northern Australian stakeholders.

The privately owned Conflict Islands are currently a cruise ship destination and location of a turtle conservation initiative. They are now up for sale. Picture: Supplied

“Labor should be telling the Australian publicwhat action is being taken to monitor and counter foreign influence in the region to ensure Pacific security.”

Speaking to the Guardian Australia in September, however, the Islands’ owner, Ian Gowrie-Smith, played down concerns he would sell to the Chinese government and clarified that his previous comments on the matter related to future sales of the archipelagic property.

“I don’t have any intention of selling these islands to the CCP,” Mr Gowrie-Smith said.

“The point that’s been lost is that whomever I might sell it to may in turn decide to sell at some future point … to a foreign nation that may or may not be friendly.”

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the Australian Government is engaging directly with Mr Gowrie-Smith regarding his views about the future of the Conflict Islands.

“Decisions relating to the Conflict Islands … are subject to relevant PNG laws and ultimately are a matter for the PNG Government,” the spokesperson said.

“The Australian Government remains engaged with the PNG Government on the future of the Conflict Islands.

“The PNG Government has recently stated that it is considering declaring the Conflict Islands as a conservation protected area.”

Papua New Guinea’s deputy prime minister John Rosso, speaking to PNG publication Post-Courier, said the government plans to retain the Conflict Islands and turn it into a conservation reserve.

“We won’t be happy with the sale of the Conflict Islands unless it remains in PNG hands,” Mr Rosso said.

Originally published as Qld senator wants a better response than ‘not our problem’ from government on Conflict Islands issue, and gets one