Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Abetz keeps asking me to give a one-word answer, so the answer is no. I generally try to be more helpful than that to senators. Clearly the relationship between Australia and Indonesia remains very strong. There is constant contact between the President, SBY, and the Prime Minister. I was speaking to Mr Smith this morning, who has again had contact with his Indonesian counterpart. He speaks to him frequently. He met him recently, I think, at the APEC meeting. There are very strong relations. I have not yet had the chance to meet the new immigration minister in Indonesia but I hope to do so soon. He is a new minister. There are very strong government-to-government relations. They have not been damaged by this event, and I am sure we will continue to enjoy very positive and strong relations with this very important neighbour.