The death penalty is not progress in modern society

After fifty years of being death penalty free, PNG has just begun debating a resumption of executions in a misguided effort to appear tough on crime. The Australian Government's publicly stated opposition to this move will undoubtedly bolster our nation's credibility as an advocate against the cruelest of punishments.

While the bipartisan public call by Senator Bob Carr and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affair Julie Bishop for the clemency of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran is a strong start, our past leaves little room for hesitation.

The Australian Government must be consistent in its approach to the death penalty in order to be taken seriously in the region. It must speak out against the death penalty in the region, when it is easy, even more importantly, when it is hard.

The Government must support clemency for all people facing execution, irrespective of their crime or nationality. Helping create a death penalty free Asia Pacific will no doubt increase Australia's credibility in the region and cement its role as a leading player on the world stage.

But our work is not done. Responsibility falls to our shoulders as well. We as global citizens must support our governments to be better as we continue to progress.

And we must stand up and speak out until it is no longer acceptable for governments to take a life on our behalf and call that justice.