Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I note the government's response to this and say that it is completely disingenuous. The meeting in Geneva is taking place right now. The vote will be tonight. In the debate on this particular matter the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States are moving for an international independent inquiry into Sri Lanka. Australia has sat on the sidelines and been silent, and has allowed China, Cuba, Venezuela and Iran to add the so-called balance that the Australian government wants, to give praise to the Rajapaksas, when any number of reports out there—Island of impunity? and Can't flee; can't staycondemn the Sri Lankan government.

Appeasing the Rajapaksas is entirely the wrong way to go for your domestic 'stop the boats' policy. It is disgraceful foreign policy to have our view represented in that. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.