Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 5 December 2011:

(1) Has the Attorney-General ascertained whether there are any charges to be laid by the Government of the United States of America (US) against Mr Julian Assange, including under the US Espionage Act of 1917 or other statutes.

(2) Has the government ascertained, whether formally or informally, the accuracy of reports of a sealed indictment of a US Grand Jury.

(3) What steps, if any, has the Attorney-General taken to establish any facts pertaining to paragraphs (1) and (2).

(4) Does the Government define the work of Mr Assange in his capacity as Editor in Chief of Wikileaks as 'having implications for Australia's foreign relations', thereby enlivening the Intelligence Services Act 2001.

(5) Can the Attorney-General confirm that the Government would not permit the extradition of Mr Assange to the US should he return to Australia.

(6) Why has the Government failed, or refused, to supply an answer to the question asked during the 2011-12 Budget estimates hearings of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee on 2 June 2011 regarding a public interest immunity ground for a blanket refusal to answer any question arising from information in US cables made public through Wikileaks.