Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The first point I'd make is that I think the comments on the EDO's conduct by Justice Charlesworth in her judgement on this case really speak for themselves. I would say that we did go to the election with a clear commitment to restore funding; however, the government expects the Environmental Defenders Office to act ethically and professionally. The minister has also previously written to the CEO of the Environmental Defenders Office, making that clear. And I am advised that the court will make a decision on costs next week, as they should.

What I would say to the EDO is that there is a place for sensible, appropriate litigation to preserve the integrity of laws, and that I think all Australians, regardless of where they sit politically, would expect them to act, in terms of their remit, both ethically and professionally. I think the comments of the judge speak for themselves.