Australia cannot ignore rights abuses in West Papua

While it is commendable, Australia's foreign minister called for an investigation into the killing of peaceful independence leader, Mako Tabuni, parliamentarians have still not received adequate information on this investigation through senate estimates requests.

Unfortunately, despite Wenda's calls for an end to Indonesia's illegal occupation and the grave human rights abuses, the foreign minister dismisses Australian support for West Papuan freedom as 'idealistic' and 'utterly inconceivable', fearing 'what it cost in terms of our friendship with Indonesia and in terms of our budget of a different arrangement.'

However, Jennifer Robinson acknowledges there are a number of things Australia could be doing, while respecting Indonesia's territorial integrity. This includes, pushing for greater access for journalists so that we know what's going on there, as well as raising a number of human rights concerns enshrined in the UN agreements to which Indonesia is a signatory.

Senator Richard Di Natale, who initiated the Australian chapter of International Parliamentarians for West Papua, said Wenda's visit gave these politicians a personal perspective of the issue and more fuel to continue the work they're doing in Parliament. Di Natale said he will support an international parliamentary delegation to visit West Papua, will continue to push for greater transparency in our military relationship with Indonesia, raise concerns of human rights abuses and push for a free and open press.

While the support from this group of politicians from across parties gives us hope, more public pressure is needed. For Wenda, connecting with the local West Papuan community in Australia and building awareness together, is one of the greatest tools we can use to put pressure on the government to break the silence on West Papua's injustice.

It took 24 years of bloody Indonesian occupation before Australia and the international community put its weight behind the referendum for East Timor's freedom. How much longer will West Papua have to wait?

Let's hope Benny Wenda's message to Australia will be heard.