Come and see the climate damage: Islanders invite PM

The Torres Strait Islander traditional owners who brought the landmark climate litigation action to the Federal Court have invited prime minister to their islands to witness the impacts firsthand.

Uncle Paul Kabai and Uncle Pabai Pabai from the low-lying islands of Saibai and Boigu, have spent four years fighting for the government to be found negligent.

A Federal Court found the government did not owe them a duty of care over the claim.

“It is overwhelming for me and Uncle Pabai as we have gone through this journey since 2021 and for us, it is emotional,” Uncle Paul told ABC News.

“We’re not going to stop here.

“It’s time now for us to keep knocking at the government’s door.”

Justice Wigney said the law currently did not provide an “effective legal avenue” to claim damages for harm “as a result of government decisions and conduct”.