Zali Steggall Statement on the Australian Climate Case
15 July 2025
Today’s Federal Court decision in the Australian Climate Case is deeply disappointing — but it must not be the final word.
I commend Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul for their extraordinary determination and leadership. Their case has brought national attention to the very real and escalating impacts of climate change in the Torres Strait.
The Court found that the Commonwealth does not owe a legal duty of care to Torres Strait Islander peoples to protect them from climate change or fund adaptation. This outcome reflects the limitations of our negligence laws, but not the merit of the Uncles’ claims.
Crucially, the Court accepted that the previous Coalition Government failed to genuinely consider the best available science when setting emissions targets in 2015, 2020 and 2021. The judge warned that without urgent action, Torres Strait Islander communities face losing their homes, culture, and become climate refugees.
This case highlights the failure of our legal and political systems to act on climate risks and protect communities around Australia. Just because the government is not legally compelled to act, does not mean it shouldn’t. It is up to all of us to compel them to act instead of continuing to bow to coal and gas multinationals.
Australia must step up. We need stronger climate laws, a science-based emissions reduction target of 75% by 2035 and a legislated adaptation and resilience plan to safeguard the future of the Torres Strait and other vulnerable communities.
I stand with Torres Strait Islander peoples and all First Nations communities demanding climate justice.
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