Religious leaders bringing balance

TOWNSVILLE bishops this week rejected claims they are “anti- Adani”.

But a joint statement by Catholic Bishop of Townsville Tim Harris and Anglican Bishop of North Queensland Bill Ray, released last weekend, made clear they are “going green”.

Not only that but the bishops challenged government and business to restore the moral compass on a whole host of issues from the environment to management of the economy.

They have concerns about many global and local issues impacting negatively on the environment which they say require greater dialogue, examination, prayer and action.

Local issues include the “impending loss of the Great Barrier Reef”, threats from mega- mining in the Galilee Basin, land clearing and a lack of “big business” governance and transparency seen in events such as Storm Financial, the collapse of the Yabulu nickel refinery and large scale corporate failures which have left subcontractors unpaid.

They say the former “White Australia” policy is alive and well in North Queensland with land rights often viewed disparagingly.

There is also a power imbalance between mega- business interests, some government departments, individuals and small family business which they say has been experienced in a defence “land grab” on Herveys Range.

“We are concerned with the escalating gap between the haves and the have- nots across North Queensland which we believe leads to extreme political stances in our communities and results in less community harmony, justice and peace,” the bishops say.

I imagine this manifesto will not be welcomed – perhaps even ignored – by community leaders. But I say, good on ‘ em. It is long overdue that governments and big business are challenged.

One only has to look at current events.

There is a worrying rise of populism on both sides of the political spectrum.

Conflict is being caused by the Far Left appealing to antagonism between the poor and the elite and by the Far Right targeting minority groups.

We need to change course.