Can the Antarctic Treaty System
(ATS) withstand China s increased activities in the region, and what, if anything, should Australia do about it? Ben Scott reminds us that The ATS provides Australia with a peaceful, non-militarised south; a freeze on challenges to our territorial claim; a ban on mining and an ecosystem-based management of fisheries . Australia has the largest of the seven claims which covers around 42% of the continent, so we do have a say on what happens there. Ben believes we should procced cautiously and play to our strengths . That Australia’s most efficient means of slowing or stopping these efforts remains well-funded collective diplomacy and science .
Campaigners have hailed a victory for free speech after academics at Cambridge University rejected demands that views remain respectful .
Dons opted instead to support tolerance of differing opinions instead of respect - a term which made critics fearful that it could crush freedom of expression.
The vote yesterday has resulted in widespread praise as campaigners claim common sense prevailed .
Index on Censorship, a nonprofit that campaigns for and defends free expression worldwide, said there was much relief at the organisation after the results of the vote were announced.
They called it a vote in support of free expression and said respect is something that should be earned and not forced.