Solidarity With Tiwi Island Communities

As a movement of human rights, climate and environment advocates, we stand in solidarity with Antonia and Tiwi people.

In the fight against fossil fuel expansion, First Nations’ people too often bear the brunt of hateful targeted attacks by corporate and political interests.

Last week, Indigenous woman, human rights advocate and consultant, Antonia Burke, was the subject of such an attack by media outlet The Australian – in which they saw fit to release Antonia’s personal details to the public.

On 26 November 2024, The Australian published an article titled Serpent and a total Croc: Inside lawfare plot to block $5.8bn gas project. Included in the article was a screenshot of a tax invoice by Antonia Burke, invoicing for her services. Disturbingly – The Australian saw fit to publish this document, including Antonia’s private address, email, phone number and bank account details. This happened one day before a Bill against publishing personal information was passed by both Houses of Australian Parliament.

Queensland Senator Susan McDonald, who sits on the LNP frontbench as Shadow Resources Minister, provided comment to The Australian as part of their harmful attack.

Whilst The Australian later removed this private information, the damage has been done and Antonia has already received hateful and derogatory emails from The Australian’s readership.

This is an attack on Antonia Burke, her family, community and the Traditional Owners of the Tiwi Islands whom she works with to protect their country from Santos’ proposed Barossa Gas project. This is an attack on all human rights and environmental advocates. And we will not be silenced.

Our movement will continue to support anyone willing to stand up and ensure they are not silenced.

This open letter is supported by 34 leading environmental and human rights organisations from across Australia and the world.