John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

Again, I think it is really important, on an issue as sensitive as this, to make sure that the issues that are raised in such questions are related. I can say to Senator Fielding that, as he may be aware, the Prime Minister did commit in his national security statement to build over time ‘diplomatic resources that are more in-depth and more diversified than currently exist’. That certainly is a clear objective of the government. The report earlier referred to by Senator Fielding supports the Prime Minister’s statement about the increasing challenges that Australia faces. In relation to Ms Lapthorne’s case I will take on notice that issue specifically for you, Senator Fielding. I want to provide a serious response to a serious matter.