Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I'm answering the question—to Australia's national interests, are being maintained. There is no-one, and I'd be amazed if the opposition is actually suggesting this, who is asserting that the task group that came around, in the vicinity of, Australia earlier in the year were in anywhere else other than in international waters. That is where they were. If the shadow minister is suggesting that that must not occur again, I want to understand what standard is being promoted by those over there, which would apply to Royal Australian Navy vessels when they are in the South China Sea and the East China Sea.

Honourable members interjecting—

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