Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The Australian Government's publicly stated position at the time of the Cocos' association with Australia was that it had no intention of making the Cocos Islands a military base. The Australian Government continues to honour that undertaking.

(2) A verbal undertaking made by a Permanent Representative at the United Nations does not establish rights or obligations at international law.