Asia/Pacific News
Australian MP Suspended Over Bunker Protest
Australian MP Andrew Laming Wednesday was suspended from the country's House of Representatives for 24 hours for pouring heavy fuel oil (HFO) on his hands during a debate, The Guardian reports.
Laming's stunt is said to have been staged on Tuesday night during a parliamentary debate over the burning of HFO by ships while at berth in Australian ports.
Laming is understood to have apologised at the time but was still suspended from the House temporarily.
"I consider the member's actions to be totally disorderly, disrespectful of the house and the federation chamber and potentially dangerous to the health and safety of members of and staff of the federation chamber," said Speaker of the House, Bronwyn Bishop.
In a statement afterwards, Laming commented "if Australian families have to breathe it, I don't back down bringing it to parliament to make the point."
"With other developed nations banning it in ports, it's long overdue to do the same thing in Australia."
An opposition MP asked the Speaker to investigate the later statement, which could lead to a further suspension.
Earlier this month,Hong Kong announced it would implement from July 1 an anticipated sulfur cap of 0.5 percent on bunkers permitted for use by ocean going vessels when at berth in its ports.
Also this month, Australia's New South Wales regional government said it would implement a 0.10 percent sulfur cap if it is reelected later this year.
