Stephen Smith (Perth, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: I have two matters that I know will be of interest to the House. Firstly, I draw to members’ attention very gravely concerning reports that Aung San Suu Kyi has been taken from her house by Burmese police authorities. I know that all members of the House will share this grave concern. It is Australia’s longstanding position, shared by governments of both political persuasions, that she should be released immediately and unconditionally, and I repeat that today and I know all members will support it.

Secondly, on Tuesday I delivered a ministerial statement on the humanitarian situation in Sri Lanka, and I think that it is true to say that the sentiments on that issue are shared by both the government and the opposition. I draw to members’ attention the United Nations Security Council’s statement overnight, which very substantially underpins the sentiments expressed by the House on Tuesday, and I know that the concern about that difficult situation is shared by all members of the House. I thank the House for its indulgence.

See this speech in context