International Pressures

• PRESSURE: United Nations

  • 2015 Paris Agreement requires countries to commit to targets to reduce their emissions. Australia is a signatory to the Paris Agreement.
  • In early 2022, the UN Secretary-General criticised Australia for not doing more to strengthen its 2030 emissions reduction target, calling Australia a ‘holdout’.
• Inability to mandate treaties

  • Australia ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and other Cruel, Inhumane or Degrading Treatment in 2017 (OPCAT)
  • The visit by the UN committee investigating torture in prisons was completely terminated on 20 February 2023 because the subcommittee was refused access to NSW and QLD detention centres.