House debates Questions without Notice
Russell, Mr Colin
Tanya Plibersek Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition
2:05 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister: Prime Minister, noting that citizens of New Zealand, Finland, France, Italy, Argentina, Poland and Canada have been granted bail in Russia while the pretrial detention of Australian Colin Russell has been extended to five months, what diplomatic measures is the government taking to help secure release on bail for Mr Russell?
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
We offer consular assistance to all of our citizens in trouble abroad, but what never helps our people in trouble abroad is public comment on their cases.