Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

The Home Affairs Bill 2023 will establish an act for the termination of the lease held by the government of the Russian Federation on a parcel of land adjacent to Parliament House located at block 26, section 44 of the division of Yarralumla, Australian Capital Territory. The bill will terminate any lease, any equitable or legal right, interest, trust, restriction, obligation, mortgage, encumbrance, contract, licence or charge granted or arising under or pursuant to a relevant lease or independence on a relevant lease in respect to the specified land. This action is absolutely necessary to protect Australia's national security interests, something that this parliament and our government will never shy away from.

There are not currently any diplomatic or consular premises on the land. This action does not preclude the Russian Federation from a diplomatic presence here in Canberra, which they maintain at their existing premises, in Griffith, Australian Capital Territory. The termination of the lease has no impact on their Griffith site. This legislation is consistent with Australia's obligations under international law.

The bill includes a provision that, if, by its operation, it results in an acquisition of property within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Australian Constitution, the Commonwealth is liable to pay a reasonable amount of compensation. This bill demonstrates the government's continued commitment to protecting our parliament and our national security. The Australian government maintains diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation, but we will always act in Australia's national interest.

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