David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

It is a matter of public record, so I am, in the broad, aware of it. I think I have put the government's position on this very plainly and there is no point in me restating it. On the question of what non-legislative steps Australia has taken to give effect to the convention, I would remind Senator Ludlam that, while Australia is not yet a party to the convention, we have already taken steps to give effect to it, including by supporting efforts to encourage the universalisation of the convention internationally, particularly in our own Asia-Pacific region, and recognising the positive contribution which civil society plays in encouraging broad participation in the convention. Australia continues to support the Cluster Munition Coalition to undertake advocacy and universalisation work, including in the Asia-Pacific. I think, Senator Ludlam, the issues between us have been well canvassed and I suspect that, having well understood one another's position, we have not yet reached an accord. The government will obviously oppose the amendment.