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TV commercials attacks Howard over theft of East Timor's oil

Timor Sea Justice Campaign - January 23, 2005

Businessman Ian Melrose has recommenced his campaign of television commercials criticising the Australian Government's unfair treatment of East Timor, branding the $1.5 billion Australia has already taken in disputed oil and gas revenues from the Timor Sea as "Stolen Goods."

The new television ad, to be shown in all states, is going to air in the lead up to Australia Day and questions whether Australian notions of a fair go and justice are really being upheld.

"While the Howard Government has already stolen 2 billion dollars of gas and oil royalties, East Timor desperately needs revenue to create a health system that works." claims the television ad.

"Australia Day is meant to be a time to be proud of being Australian, but how can I be proud when the Australian Government is stealing billions of dollars from one of our closest and poorest neighbours?" asked Mr Melrose.

"With the Tsunami relief efforts the Australian people have shown amazing generosity, but the Howard Government in undermining our good reputation by taking billions of dollars worth of oil and gas royalties from East Timor." Mr Melrose continued.

The Australian Government is currently depleting several gas and oil deposits that lie closer to East Timor than to Australia, despite the fields being included in East Timor's maritime boundary claim that is currently being negotiated with the Australian Government.

East Timor is unable to take the matter to international arbitration because two months before East Timor's independence, Australia suddenly withdrew from maritime boundary jurisdiction of the two international arbitration bodies used to settle such disputes, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

Mr Melrose claims, "John Howard's Government only withdrew from the International Court of Justice because it knew that it would lose if the matter was decided by an independent umpire."

Mr Melrose said he was compelled to write and finance the advertising campaign because, "It's not the Australian way to steal from a poor country" and that he was concerned about the ramifications of Australia being seen as a bully in the region.

"It's time for John Howard to realise that Australian people such as myself will not remain silent on this issue. It's East Timor's oil, it's as simple as that." finished Mr Melrose.

For more information see the Timor Sea Justice Campaign at www.timorseajustice.org
 

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