Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul are Traditional Owners whose ancestors have lived in the Torres Strait for thousands of years. Now they are on the frontline of the climate crisis, and face losing their island homes under rising seas.
The Torres Strait is particularly vulnerable to climate change, and unless action is taken to prevent global warming of more than 1.5 degrees, their island homes may disappear under the sea along with thousands of years of custom and culture protected by Native Title. They are asking the Australian Government to take pre-emptive steps to stop climate change and stop the impacts of climate change before they become Australia's first climate refugees.
If successful, Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul won’t just be protecting their communities – they’ll be making us all safer from climate change
Case Timeline
Current Awaiting decision to be handed down on 15 July 2025 1 April 2024 The court hears closing arguments in Cairns 2 November 2023 The court hears three weeks of expert witness hearings in Naarm (Melbourne) 3 June 2023 The court hears On Country hearings on Boigiu, Saibai and Badu Islands
4 October 2021 Uncle Pabai and Uncle Paul file the case at the Federal Court
