Prime Minister Scott Morrison labelled nations engaging in illegal fishing as ‘thieves’ during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Pacific Island leaders.
Scott Morrison said “For Australia, as an island, the Blue Pacific is critically important, it drives our economies and supports life in the Pacific… it is absolutely vital we protect them from those thieves who would come and steal it from you”.
The leaders also talked about protecting and managing oceans and how nations are working to tackle climate change.
Australia’s approach is coming under increasing pressure globally in the lead up to talks in Glascor, with the Coalition on whether to adopt a net-zero target by 2050.