Australia has seen unprecedented bushfires and flooding in recent years.
Extreme weather has brought climate change to the top of the agenda for voters.
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And Greens and climate-focused independents made big gains in Saturday’s election, at the expense of the conservative coalition.
Australia is a major exporter of fossil fuels, and the outgoing government often objected to plans to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Neighbouring Pacific Islands say Australia is blocking climate action, even as their territories are under threat of sinking.
Uneasy ties with the island nations are spilling into security, as concerns mount in Australia and the United States about China’s recent deal with the Solomon Islands.
How will Australia’s new government tackle China’s growing influence in the Pacific?
Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra
Guests:
Carlyle Thayer – Emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and director of Thayer Consultancy
Anna Skarbek – CEO of Climateworks Centre
Gregory Melleuish – Professor of history and politics at the University of Wollongong