In announcing his state’s ban on single-use plastic bags today Mark McGowan told reporters plastic was "the curse of the earth" and was responsible for killing wildlife and degrading the environment.

“Five out of seven states have now listened to the concerns of their residents and the scientists who have repeatedly warned how bad our plastic pollution crisis is,” Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Nathaniel Pelle said.

“The only two states continuing to ignore the desire of their constituents by holding back a ban are Victoria and NSW. But while Victoria has left the door open, in NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has flatly refused to consider a ban instead leaving the problem for industry to manage -  that’s a certain recipe for polluted beaches and dead marine life.  

“Other states have now proved we can reduce plastic waste - these two governments who aren't on board need to wake up and take action.”

WA’s ban will be effective from July 1, 2018 making NSW and Victoria the only Australian states that are yet to act on banning single use plastic bags.

"This is a huge win for the people of WA less than a year after a previous state government publicly said they would never ban plastic bags," Greenpeace activist Bhaval Chandaria said.

Queensland’s moved to ban single-use plastic bags and implement a container deposit scheme last week. South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT all have bans on single-use plastic bags in place. NSW and Victoria are yet to implement any policy on bags despite polls showing overwhelming support for a ban [1].

“There is no good reason for the Premiers and Environment ministers of these two lagging states to still be dragging their heels,” Pelle said.

“This paralysis means millions of plastic bags will make their ways into the environment and waterways of NSW and Victoria for absolutely no reason.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

[1] http://bit.ly/2eCLL21

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

The analysis comes as Environment Ministers from across Australia meet in Melbourne today.

Greenpeace plastics campaigner Samantha Wockner, who is in Melbourne with Greenpeace supporters demonstrating outside the meeting, said:

“It’s time for New South Wales and Victoria to clean up their act and finally ban the bag.

“Every other state and territory is banning the bag and even the big supermarket chains are acting.

“Government inaction in our two most populous states is letting down the country.

“We’re calling on NSW Environment Minister Upton and Victorian Environment Minister D'Ambrosio to finally ban the bag at today’s meeting of environment ministers.

“Our analysis shows that the New South Wales and Victorian governments can’t get away with the excuse that they don’t need to act because the supermarkets are.

“Even once the supermarket bans are in place, there will be 1.6 to 2 billion bags each year not covered if NSW and Victoria fail to act.

“The analysis also shows that many websites including some government sources in Australia grossly underestimate the amount of plastic bags being used.

“Our oceans are already being clogged up with plastic pollution, and the last thing we need is billions more bags across NSW and Victoria ending up in these states’ beautiful beaches, waterways and oceans to strangle and suffocate marine life,” Ms Wockner said. 

Contact – Monique Vandeleur 0419 588 430

Notes for editors: 

For a copy of the analysis go to the Greenpeace blog

http://www.greenpeace.org.au/blog/billions-of-bags/#.WX_PEVqg9QN

A submission made to the inquiry by the NAIF itself shows that director Sally Pitkin ceased her association with the body on July 31, 2017.

No mention of Ms Pitkin’s departure has been made on the NAIF’s website nor has any public announcement been made about her position or the effect this resignation will have on the projects the board is considering.

“The NAIF is run by a compromised board of hand-picked mining executives, some of whom were personally familiar with, and recommended by, the former resources minister Matt Canavan,” Greenpeace Climate and Energy campaigner Nikola Casule said.

“They have consistently refused any public accountability or oversight. This latest resignation, done quietly behind the scenes only a week before a senate inquiry into the Facility, shows that the NAIF is in disarray and not fit for purpose.

“If the NAIF is truly to operate in the interests of Northern Australia rather than a $5 billion ‘slush fund’ of public money, as it was described by former treasurer, Wayne Swan, it must be disbanded so we can start again.”

The Australian Senate voted to establish an inquiry into the NAIF and any potential conflicts of interest on its board after revelations that one of the board’s directors, Karla Way-McPhail, also runs mining labour and equipment hire companies and had made “hyper-partisan comments” online in support of the coal industry.

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

The activists are there to deliver this message to the Norwegian government from around the world: Put People over Arctic Oil.

They are also displaying a constructed giant globe in front of the rig with written statements to the government.

Thirty-five activists from 25 countries are escalating a peaceful protest after tailing the rig for one month in the Barents Sea.

The Norwegian government has opened up a new oil frontier in the Arctic. The state-owned oil company has just started to drill for oil at the Korpfjell well, a controversial site 415km from land.

It is close to the ice edge and an important feeding area for seabirds. This is the first opening of new areas for oil drilling in 20 years and it is the northernmost area licensed by Norway.

The “environmentally friendly” Norwegian government granted new oil licenses, as part of the 23rd license round, in the Arctic on June 10 last year.

Just ten days after, they ratified the Paris Agreement.

Greenpeace US activist Britt Baker, at the location, said:

“As an American and global citizen, Trump's decision to retreat from the Paris climate agreement and boost fossil fuels at the expense of people around the world was devastating. Likewise, we see the Norwegian government opening new oil areas in the Arctic at full throttle, in spite of knowing the dangers it will have for future generations. The major difference between the situation in the U.S and Norway is that Trump left the Paris agreement with tunnel-vision motives to extend handouts to the flailing fossil fuel industry.

"Norway may as well have left the Paris agreement given the Norwegian's government desire to accelerate fossil fuel production. This government is showing the same disrespect to global climate commitments as Trump”

Greenpeace and its co-plaintiff Nature and Youth are taking the government to court in November, arguing that the new oil licenses are in breach of the Norwegian Constitution’s right to a healthy environment (Article 112). Despite the ongoing legal case, Statoil is drilling several new oil wells in the Arctic this summer.

Greenpeace Norway Arctic campaigner, Erlend Tellnes, from on board the Arctic Sunrise, said:

“Norway is not as green as their image. With one hand, the government have signed the Paris Agreement and profiled themselvesas an environmental champion, whilst handing out hundreds of new oil blocks in the Arctic with the other. They ignore and disrespect environmental, scientific recommendations and have offered the oil industry licenses in some of the most pristine areas of the Arctic. Now they have to answer for their actions in court."

Within a month more than 150,000 people have joined the call to the Norwegian government to respect the Norwegian Constitution and The Paris Agreement, bringing the number to 355,000.

Notes to Editors

Photos from the protest: http://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJXVZK8M

Full collection from The People vs. Arctic Oil ship tour: http://bit.ly/2x9s0GC

Read more here about the climate lawsuit: http://www.greenpeace.org/norway/no/reports/Media-Briefing-Lawsuit-2017/

Read more about oil drilling in the Barents Sea: 

http://www.greenpeace.org/norway/no/reports/Media-Briefing-Oil-Drilling-in-the-Barents-Sea/

Media contacts

For interviews with activists and spokespersons on board:

Poul Bonke Justesen, communications lead, Greenpeace Nordic. Mobile: +45 2629 4938

Greenpeace International Press Desk:pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)

September 6, 2017: The credibility of Australia’s peak science body, CSIRO, has been rocked today by revelations that it has been a long-term financial supporter of mining super-lobbyists the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).

The government’s peak scientific body has been a paid up member of a coalition of the nation’s biggest polluters since 2004, paying $10,000 for an “annual subscription” in 2017, documents obtained by The Australia Institute under FOI laws reveal.

“If AGL, Australia's biggest single carbon polluter, felt it had to quit the MCA in 2016 over its position on climate change, then it's incredible that the CSIRO is still involved,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Climate and Energy Campaigner Nikola Casule said.

“Their support of the MCA goes against both the overwhelming scientific opinion on coal and climate, and the CSIRO's own statements about remaining separate from political and policy debates.”

The MCA has been a highly influential lobby group for the mining and energy industry for years, promoting coal mining and coal fired power, and lobbying against action on climate change. The MCA has in the past boasted to its members that it played a key role in abolishing the carbon and mining taxes in 2014.

Over the same period the CSIRO has been accused of failing to provide the government with free and independent advice on climate-related issues. In 2016 newly appointed CSIRO CEO, Larry Marshall, attempted to cut hundreds of positions in climate science at the organisation [1].

Emails leaked earlier this year revealed divisions within the CSIRO over its failure to make a submission to the government’s consultation on greenhouse gas emissions targets in 2009. [2]

“Greenpeace is all in favour of a robust, science-driven CSIRO. Australia certainly needs its independent scientists now more than ever - but we won’t hesitate to call out apparent industry capture when we see it,” said Casule.

Greenpeace is calling on CSIRO management to immediately cut all ties with the MCA.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/04/csiro-confirms-300-job-cuts-with-climate-research-bearing-the-brunt

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/06/csiro-member-minerals-council-which-fights-climate-change-action

For interviews contact:

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

Media reports published on Monday reveal potential conflicts of interests for NAIF Chair, Sharon Warburton, and NAIF board director, Justin Mannolini, in relation to a project that is being considered for a taxpayer subsidised loan. This is in addition to a previously highlighted possible conflict of interest involving director Karla Way-McPhail that sparked the Senate inquiry in the first place.

“These leaks reveal yet another potential conflict of interest at NAIF and are disappointing but sadly not surprising,” Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule, said.

“When you fill a board almost entirely with current or former mining executives and ask them to make decisions about distributing $5 billion in taxpayer money, largely to mining companies, you can’t be surprised when you find yourself in this situation.”

The report reveals that the NAIF board have been approached for funding by the proponents of the Balla Balla project, which comprises a port and railway to the Pilbara Iron Ore project in Western Australia. The Balla Balla Infrastructure Group (BBIG) is majority owned by NZ's Todd Corporation.

The project poses a potential conflict of interest for the chair of the NAIF board, Sharon Warburton, who is also a non-Executive Director on the Board of Fortescue Metals - the fourth largest iron ore producer in the world and owner of the The Pilbara Infrastructure (TPI), which owns and operates a rail line and port facilities in the Pilbara.

NAIF director Justin Mannolini is a Partner with the WA law firm Gilbert + Tobin - a firm hired to advise the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group on the execution of a State Agreement with the Government of Western Australia for the project that it is seeking a loan from NAIF to fund. The firm’s advisory role for the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group is ongoing.

Mannolini is also the Chairman of the Board of Jindalee Resources - a company which has an interest in a number of iron and base metal projects in the Pilbara and other parts of Western Australia.

“The consideration of this project poses a potential conflict of interest for both a NAIF board director and the board’s chair, Sharon Warburton,” Casule said.

“When you combine this with the other potential conflicts within the board, NAIF’s refusal to respond in a substantive way to freedom of information requests, and assertions by prominent figures such as the former federal treasurer that it was setup to operate as a ‘slush fund’, it is clear that the NAIF is not fit for purpose.

“The ongoing Senate inquiry into the NAIF has an obligation to get to the bottom of these new allegations and to call a second hearing as part of their inquiry. In the meantime, NAIF’s operations must be suspended until all outstanding questions regarding conflict of interest and transparency are addressed.”

Last month the Senate ran a hearing into the NAIF and any potential conflicts of interest on its board after it was revealed one of the directors also runs mining labour and equipment hire companies and had made “hyper-partisan comments” online in support of the coal industry.

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

PwC promotes itself as a corporate leader on environmental issues but the firm is putting its reputation at risk through its membership of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), which has repeatedly boasted about stymying action on climate change.

PwC was the first professional services firm in Australia to becarbon neutral certifiedunder the National Carbon Offset Standard and is also a member of the UN Global Compact, which says businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges and undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.

“PwC has taken some positive steps to mitigate its carbon footprint but all of this good work is put into question by its funding of the Minerals Council,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule, said.

“The MCA not only questions the science of climate change but aggressively lobbies governments to prevent them from taking action to address it. If PwC wants to continue to be viewed as a business leader on environmental sustainability and climate change, it cannot simultaneously support the MCA and its anti-environmental positions.

“If PwC genuinely believes in the environmental issues it has chosen to take a stand on it should follow AGL’s lead and quit the Minerals Council.”

Last year AGL, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Australia, dropped its membership of the MCA over the company’s different position on renewable energy.

For interviews contact:

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

For photos:

http://media.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MZIFJXDUQB2

The bank, which is currently facing litigation by shareholders for failing to disclose climate risk, today confirmed they had not been approached to finance the controversial development in Queensland and "would not be" approached in the future.

"Today’s announcement by CommBank means it is even more unlikely that Adani’s project will gain the finance necessary to build the controversial Carmichael mine, but CommBank is still right at the bottom of the league table in terms of bank climate policies,” Greenpeace campaigner Jonathan Moylan said.

“Fourteen banks globally, including HSBC and Deutsche Bank, have ruled out funding new coal projects, and CommBank will continue to face public pressure until it does the same.”

"CommBank has financed more fossil fuel pollution than any other Australian bank since it committed to support the Paris Agreement only eighteen months ago.”

“If CommBank do not rule out funding fossil fuels projects in their new climate policy, that Paris Agreement commitment will look even more hollow.”

Analysis by University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Resources shows that to limit average global warming to two degrees, a third of the world’s oil reserves, half of its gas reserves and 80 per cent of coal reserves must remain in the ground. 

“Australians do not want their money invested in projects that damage the Great Barrier Reef, and pose a risk to Pacific Islanders and future generations,” continued Mr Moylan.

"Greenpeace will keep up the pressure to ensure that CommBank take steps to rule out new investments in the dying coal industry and reflect the concern of their customers, shareholders, and the wider Australian community."

For more information, contact:

Simon Black 
Senior Media Campaigner

Greenpeace Australia Pacific

Tel: 0418 219 086
Email: sblack@greenpeace.org

In announcing his state’s ban on single-use plastic bags today Mark McGowan told reporters plastic was "the curse of the earth" and was responsible for killing wildlife and degrading the environment.

“Five out of seven states have now listened to the concerns of their residents and the scientists who have repeatedly warned how bad our plastic pollution crisis is,” Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Nathaniel Pelle said.

“The only two states continuing to ignore the desire of their constituents by holding back a ban are Victoria and NSW. But while Victoria has left the door open, in NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has flatly refused to consider a ban instead leaving the problem for industry to manage -  that’s a certain recipe for polluted beaches and dead marine life.  

“Other states have now proved we can reduce plastic waste - these two governments who aren't on board need to wake up and take action.”

WA’s ban will be effective from July 1, 2018 making NSW and Victoria the only Australian states that are yet to act on banning single use plastic bags.

"This is a huge win for the people of WA less than a year after a previous state government publicly said they would never ban plastic bags," Greenpeace activist Bhaval Chandaria said.

Queensland’s moved to ban single-use plastic bags and implement a container deposit scheme last week. South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT all have bans on single-use plastic bags in place. NSW and Victoria are yet to implement any policy on bags despite polls showing overwhelming support for a ban [1].

“There is no good reason for the Premiers and Environment ministers of these two lagging states to still be dragging their heels,” Pelle said.

“This paralysis means millions of plastic bags will make their ways into the environment and waterways of NSW and Victoria for absolutely no reason.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

[1] http://bit.ly/2eCLL21

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

The analysis comes as Environment Ministers from across Australia meet in Melbourne today.

Greenpeace plastics campaigner Samantha Wockner, who is in Melbourne with Greenpeace supporters demonstrating outside the meeting, said:

“It’s time for New South Wales and Victoria to clean up their act and finally ban the bag.

“Every other state and territory is banning the bag and even the big supermarket chains are acting.

“Government inaction in our two most populous states is letting down the country.

“We’re calling on NSW Environment Minister Upton and Victorian Environment Minister D'Ambrosio to finally ban the bag at today’s meeting of environment ministers.

“Our analysis shows that the New South Wales and Victorian governments can’t get away with the excuse that they don’t need to act because the supermarkets are.

“Even once the supermarket bans are in place, there will be 1.6 to 2 billion bags each year not covered if NSW and Victoria fail to act.

“The analysis also shows that many websites including some government sources in Australia grossly underestimate the amount of plastic bags being used.

“Our oceans are already being clogged up with plastic pollution, and the last thing we need is billions more bags across NSW and Victoria ending up in these states’ beautiful beaches, waterways and oceans to strangle and suffocate marine life,” Ms Wockner said. 

Contact – Monique Vandeleur 0419 588 430

Notes for editors: 

For a copy of the analysis go to the Greenpeace blog

http://www.greenpeace.org.au/blog/billions-of-bags/#.WX_PEVqg9QN

A submission made to the inquiry by the NAIF itself shows that director Sally Pitkin ceased her association with the body on July 31, 2017.

No mention of Ms Pitkin’s departure has been made on the NAIF’s website nor has any public announcement been made about her position or the effect this resignation will have on the projects the board is considering.

“The NAIF is run by a compromised board of hand-picked mining executives, some of whom were personally familiar with, and recommended by, the former resources minister Matt Canavan,” Greenpeace Climate and Energy campaigner Nikola Casule said.

“They have consistently refused any public accountability or oversight. This latest resignation, done quietly behind the scenes only a week before a senate inquiry into the Facility, shows that the NAIF is in disarray and not fit for purpose.

“If the NAIF is truly to operate in the interests of Northern Australia rather than a $5 billion ‘slush fund’ of public money, as it was described by former treasurer, Wayne Swan, it must be disbanded so we can start again.”

The Australian Senate voted to establish an inquiry into the NAIF and any potential conflicts of interest on its board after revelations that one of the board’s directors, Karla Way-McPhail, also runs mining labour and equipment hire companies and had made “hyper-partisan comments” online in support of the coal industry.

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

The activists are there to deliver this message to the Norwegian government from around the world: Put People over Arctic Oil.

They are also displaying a constructed giant globe in front of the rig with written statements to the government.

Thirty-five activists from 25 countries are escalating a peaceful protest after tailing the rig for one month in the Barents Sea.

The Norwegian government has opened up a new oil frontier in the Arctic. The state-owned oil company has just started to drill for oil at the Korpfjell well, a controversial site 415km from land.

It is close to the ice edge and an important feeding area for seabirds. This is the first opening of new areas for oil drilling in 20 years and it is the northernmost area licensed by Norway.

The “environmentally friendly” Norwegian government granted new oil licenses, as part of the 23rd license round, in the Arctic on June 10 last year.

Just ten days after, they ratified the Paris Agreement.

Greenpeace US activist Britt Baker, at the location, said:

“As an American and global citizen, Trump's decision to retreat from the Paris climate agreement and boost fossil fuels at the expense of people around the world was devastating. Likewise, we see the Norwegian government opening new oil areas in the Arctic at full throttle, in spite of knowing the dangers it will have for future generations. The major difference between the situation in the U.S and Norway is that Trump left the Paris agreement with tunnel-vision motives to extend handouts to the flailing fossil fuel industry.

"Norway may as well have left the Paris agreement given the Norwegian's government desire to accelerate fossil fuel production. This government is showing the same disrespect to global climate commitments as Trump”

Greenpeace and its co-plaintiff Nature and Youth are taking the government to court in November, arguing that the new oil licenses are in breach of the Norwegian Constitution’s right to a healthy environment (Article 112). Despite the ongoing legal case, Statoil is drilling several new oil wells in the Arctic this summer.

Greenpeace Norway Arctic campaigner, Erlend Tellnes, from on board the Arctic Sunrise, said:

“Norway is not as green as their image. With one hand, the government have signed the Paris Agreement and profiled themselvesas an environmental champion, whilst handing out hundreds of new oil blocks in the Arctic with the other. They ignore and disrespect environmental, scientific recommendations and have offered the oil industry licenses in some of the most pristine areas of the Arctic. Now they have to answer for their actions in court."

Within a month more than 150,000 people have joined the call to the Norwegian government to respect the Norwegian Constitution and The Paris Agreement, bringing the number to 355,000.

Notes to Editors

Photos from the protest: http://media.greenpeace.org/collection/27MZIFJXVZK8M

Full collection from The People vs. Arctic Oil ship tour: http://bit.ly/2x9s0GC

Read more here about the climate lawsuit: http://www.greenpeace.org/norway/no/reports/Media-Briefing-Lawsuit-2017/

Read more about oil drilling in the Barents Sea: 

http://www.greenpeace.org/norway/no/reports/Media-Briefing-Oil-Drilling-in-the-Barents-Sea/

Media contacts

For interviews with activists and spokespersons on board:

Poul Bonke Justesen, communications lead, Greenpeace Nordic. Mobile: +45 2629 4938

Greenpeace International Press Desk:pressdesk.int@greenpeace.org +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours)

September 6, 2017: The credibility of Australia’s peak science body, CSIRO, has been rocked today by revelations that it has been a long-term financial supporter of mining super-lobbyists the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA).

The government’s peak scientific body has been a paid up member of a coalition of the nation’s biggest polluters since 2004, paying $10,000 for an “annual subscription” in 2017, documents obtained by The Australia Institute under FOI laws reveal.

“If AGL, Australia's biggest single carbon polluter, felt it had to quit the MCA in 2016 over its position on climate change, then it's incredible that the CSIRO is still involved,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Climate and Energy Campaigner Nikola Casule said.

“Their support of the MCA goes against both the overwhelming scientific opinion on coal and climate, and the CSIRO's own statements about remaining separate from political and policy debates.”

The MCA has been a highly influential lobby group for the mining and energy industry for years, promoting coal mining and coal fired power, and lobbying against action on climate change. The MCA has in the past boasted to its members that it played a key role in abolishing the carbon and mining taxes in 2014.

Over the same period the CSIRO has been accused of failing to provide the government with free and independent advice on climate-related issues. In 2016 newly appointed CSIRO CEO, Larry Marshall, attempted to cut hundreds of positions in climate science at the organisation [1].

Emails leaked earlier this year revealed divisions within the CSIRO over its failure to make a submission to the government’s consultation on greenhouse gas emissions targets in 2009. [2]

“Greenpeace is all in favour of a robust, science-driven CSIRO. Australia certainly needs its independent scientists now more than ever - but we won’t hesitate to call out apparent industry capture when we see it,” said Casule.

Greenpeace is calling on CSIRO management to immediately cut all ties with the MCA.

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/feb/04/csiro-confirms-300-job-cuts-with-climate-research-bearing-the-brunt

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/sep/06/csiro-member-minerals-council-which-fights-climate-change-action

For interviews contact:

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

Media reports published on Monday reveal potential conflicts of interests for NAIF Chair, Sharon Warburton, and NAIF board director, Justin Mannolini, in relation to a project that is being considered for a taxpayer subsidised loan. This is in addition to a previously highlighted possible conflict of interest involving director Karla Way-McPhail that sparked the Senate inquiry in the first place.

“These leaks reveal yet another potential conflict of interest at NAIF and are disappointing but sadly not surprising,” Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule, said.

“When you fill a board almost entirely with current or former mining executives and ask them to make decisions about distributing $5 billion in taxpayer money, largely to mining companies, you can’t be surprised when you find yourself in this situation.”

The report reveals that the NAIF board have been approached for funding by the proponents of the Balla Balla project, which comprises a port and railway to the Pilbara Iron Ore project in Western Australia. The Balla Balla Infrastructure Group (BBIG) is majority owned by NZ's Todd Corporation.

The project poses a potential conflict of interest for the chair of the NAIF board, Sharon Warburton, who is also a non-Executive Director on the Board of Fortescue Metals - the fourth largest iron ore producer in the world and owner of the The Pilbara Infrastructure (TPI), which owns and operates a rail line and port facilities in the Pilbara.

NAIF director Justin Mannolini is a Partner with the WA law firm Gilbert + Tobin - a firm hired to advise the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group on the execution of a State Agreement with the Government of Western Australia for the project that it is seeking a loan from NAIF to fund. The firm’s advisory role for the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group is ongoing.

Mannolini is also the Chairman of the Board of Jindalee Resources - a company which has an interest in a number of iron and base metal projects in the Pilbara and other parts of Western Australia.

“The consideration of this project poses a potential conflict of interest for both a NAIF board director and the board’s chair, Sharon Warburton,” Casule said.

“When you combine this with the other potential conflicts within the board, NAIF’s refusal to respond in a substantive way to freedom of information requests, and assertions by prominent figures such as the former federal treasurer that it was setup to operate as a ‘slush fund’, it is clear that the NAIF is not fit for purpose.

“The ongoing Senate inquiry into the NAIF has an obligation to get to the bottom of these new allegations and to call a second hearing as part of their inquiry. In the meantime, NAIF’s operations must be suspended until all outstanding questions regarding conflict of interest and transparency are addressed.”

Last month the Senate ran a hearing into the NAIF and any potential conflicts of interest on its board after it was revealed one of the directors also runs mining labour and equipment hire companies and had made “hyper-partisan comments” online in support of the coal industry.

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

PwC promotes itself as a corporate leader on environmental issues but the firm is putting its reputation at risk through its membership of the Minerals Council of Australia (MCA), which has repeatedly boasted about stymying action on climate change.

PwC was the first professional services firm in Australia to becarbon neutral certifiedunder the National Carbon Offset Standard and is also a member of the UN Global Compact, which says businesses should support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges and undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility.

“PwC has taken some positive steps to mitigate its carbon footprint but all of this good work is put into question by its funding of the Minerals Council,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule, said.

“The MCA not only questions the science of climate change but aggressively lobbies governments to prevent them from taking action to address it. If PwC wants to continue to be viewed as a business leader on environmental sustainability and climate change, it cannot simultaneously support the MCA and its anti-environmental positions.

“If PwC genuinely believes in the environmental issues it has chosen to take a stand on it should follow AGL’s lead and quit the Minerals Council.”

Last year AGL, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in Australia, dropped its membership of the MCA over the company’s different position on renewable energy.

For interviews contact:

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

For photos:

http://media.greenpeace.org/shoot/27MZIFJXDUQB2

More than 72 percent of Australians support a ban on nuclear weapons and more than 65 percent want Australia to sign up to the UN ban treaty, according to Reachtel polling commissioned by Greenpeace Australia Pacific.

“Julie Bishop’s decision not to sign Australia up offers yet another example of how out of touch this government is,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter said.

“A clear majority of Australians want these weapons eliminated but the government still clings onto the flawed assumption that these weapons of mass destruction somehow make the world a safer place.”

The polling also reveals that the government’s belief that the United States’ nuclear arsenal bolsters Australia’s national security is not a view shared by the majority of Australians.

More than 71 percent of Australians surveyed disagreed with the notion that nuclear weapons make the world safer.

“Bishop can’t go to New York and tell the world she is representing the will of the people,” Ritter said.

“By refusing to be part of the international push to ban nuclear weapons Bishop is not only putting Australia on the wrong side of history but acting against the wishes of the people she claims to represent.”

This is echoed by the fact that more than 65 percent of voters want Australia to sign the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

With tensions rising on the Korean peninsula the catastrophic threat posed by nuclear weapons needs to be taken more seriously than any time in recent history.

The world has previously united to ban chemical and biological weapons, cluster munitions and landmines and the same thing needs to happen with nukes.

It defies belief that eight nuclear states can possess these weapons of mass destruction for the foreseeable future without ever using them, intentionally or not.

Greenpeace Australia Pacific is calling on Ms Bishop to do the right thing by the planet and her people and sign Australia up to the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

“Nobody wins a nuclear war,” Ritter said.

“The only way we can be truly free of the threat of nuclear annihilation is to consign these weapons to the dustbin of history.”

For interviews contact:

Martin Zavan

Greenpeace Media Campaigner

0424 295 422 / martin.zavan@greenpeace.org

Notes for editors

Link to polling

What the UN treaty will do

The treaty will comprehensively bans nuclear weapons and related activity. It will be illegal for parties to undertake any activities related to nuclear weapons. It bans the use, development, testing, production, manufacturing, acquiring, possession, stockpiling, transferring, receiving, threatening to use, stationing, installation, or deployment of nuclear weapons.

When will it enter into force?

Fifty states are required to ratify the treaty for it to enter into force. At a national level, the process of ratification varies, but usually requires parliamentary approval and the development of national legislation to turn prohibitions into national legislation. This process is also an opportunity to elaborate additional measures, such as prohibiting the financing of nuclear weapons.

How is it different to the Nuclear Non-proliferation treaty?

The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968 contains only partial prohibitions, and nuclear-weapon-free zone treaties prohibit nuclear weapons only within certain geographical regions. The Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty is an addition, and recognises the importance of full implementation of the NPT.

The bank, which is currently facing litigation by shareholders for failing to disclose climate risk, today confirmed they had not been approached to finance the controversial development in Queensland and "would not be" approached in the future.

"Today’s announcement by CommBank means it is even more unlikely that Adani’s project will gain the finance necessary to build the controversial Carmichael mine, but CommBank is still right at the bottom of the league table in terms of bank climate policies,” Greenpeace campaigner Jonathan Moylan said.

“Fourteen banks globally, including HSBC and Deutsche Bank, have ruled out funding new coal projects, and CommBank will continue to face public pressure until it does the same.”

"CommBank has financed more fossil fuel pollution than any other Australian bank since it committed to support the Paris Agreement only eighteen months ago.”

“If CommBank do not rule out funding fossil fuels projects in their new climate policy, that Paris Agreement commitment will look even more hollow.”

Analysis by University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Resources shows that to limit average global warming to two degrees, a third of the world’s oil reserves, half of its gas reserves and 80 per cent of coal reserves must remain in the ground. 

“Australians do not want their money invested in projects that damage the Great Barrier Reef, and pose a risk to Pacific Islanders and future generations,” continued Mr Moylan.

"Greenpeace will keep up the pressure to ensure that CommBank take steps to rule out new investments in the dying coal industry and reflect the concern of their customers, shareholders, and the wider Australian community."

For more information, contact:

Simon Black 
Senior Media Campaigner

Greenpeace Australia Pacific

Tel: 0418 219 086
Email: sblack@greenpeace.org

In announcing his state’s ban on single-use plastic bags today Mark McGowan told reporters plastic was "the curse of the earth" and was responsible for killing wildlife and degrading the environment.

“Five out of seven states have now listened to the concerns of their residents and the scientists who have repeatedly warned how bad our plastic pollution crisis is,” Greenpeace Senior Campaigner Nathaniel Pelle said.

“The only two states continuing to ignore the desire of their constituents by holding back a ban are Victoria and NSW. But while Victoria has left the door open, in NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has flatly refused to consider a ban instead leaving the problem for industry to manage -  that’s a certain recipe for polluted beaches and dead marine life.  

“Other states have now proved we can reduce plastic waste - these two governments who aren't on board need to wake up and take action.”

WA’s ban will be effective from July 1, 2018 making NSW and Victoria the only Australian states that are yet to act on banning single use plastic bags.

"This is a huge win for the people of WA less than a year after a previous state government publicly said they would never ban plastic bags," Greenpeace activist Bhaval Chandaria said.

Queensland’s moved to ban single-use plastic bags and implement a container deposit scheme last week. South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the ACT all have bans on single-use plastic bags in place. NSW and Victoria are yet to implement any policy on bags despite polls showing overwhelming support for a ban [1].

“There is no good reason for the Premiers and Environment ministers of these two lagging states to still be dragging their heels,” Pelle said.

“This paralysis means millions of plastic bags will make their ways into the environment and waterways of NSW and Victoria for absolutely no reason.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS:

[1] http://bit.ly/2eCLL21

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

Pearson's nine years at the MCA has been characterised by a constant undermining of the health and well-being of all Australians and the destruction of environmental treasures such as the Great Barrier Reef.

“As the Great Barrier Reef bleached and much of its coral died, the MCA under Pearson funded climate denialism and boasted about fighting against meaningful action that would protect all Australians from the harm of dangerous global warming,” Greenpeace Climate and Energy Campaigner, Nikola Casule, said.

“The MCA's legacy is clear: a dying Reef, thousands of Australians suffering from preventable illness, the return of black lung to coal mining communities in Queensland, and an uncertain future facing catastrophic climate change.”

Casule said that the departure of the controversial CEO presented an opportunity for the MCA to step back from climate denial and chart a new course.

“The MCA have themselves claimed to be instrumental in the demise of the carbon and mining taxes contrary to the wellbeing of the Australian people and continue to spend millions advocating the creation of new coal-fired power generation,” Casule said.

“We hope the new CEO will help the MCA turn their back on their climate change denialism and take a more serious approach to their responsibilities and the beliefs of their members, many of whom have made public commitments to combating climate change.”

For interviews contact:

Simon Black

Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Media Campaigner

0418 219 086 / simon.black@greenpeace.org

The bank, which is currently facing litigation by shareholders for failing to disclose climate risk, today confirmed they had not been approached to finance the controversial development in Queensland and "would not be" approached in the future.

"Today’s announcement by CommBank means it is even more unlikely that Adani’s project will gain the finance necessary to build the controversial Carmichael mine, but CommBank is still right at the bottom of the league table in terms of bank climate policies,” Greenpeace campaigner Jonathan Moylan said.

“Fourteen banks globally, including HSBC and Deutsche Bank, have ruled out funding new coal projects, and CommBank will continue to face public pressure until it does the same.”

"CommBank has financed more fossil fuel pollution than any other Australian bank since it committed to support the Paris Agreement only eighteen months ago.”

“If CommBank do not rule out funding fossil fuels projects in their new climate policy, that Paris Agreement commitment will look even more hollow.”

Analysis by University College London’s Institute for Sustainable Resources shows that to limit average global warming to two degrees, a third of the world’s oil reserves, half of its gas reserves and 80 per cent of coal reserves must remain in the ground. 

“Australians do not want their money invested in projects that damage the Great Barrier Reef, and pose a risk to Pacific Islanders and future generations,” continued Mr Moylan.

"Greenpeace will keep up the pressure to ensure that CommBank take steps to rule out new investments in the dying coal industry and reflect the concern of their customers, shareholders, and the wider Australian community."

For more information, contact:

Simon Black 
Senior Media Campaigner

Greenpeace Australia Pacific

Tel: 0418 219 086
Email: sblack@greenpeace.org