Mitch Fifield Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services
3:43 pm
The Australian government does remain concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet. Australia has consistently raised its concerns with Chinese counterparts in Canberra and Beijing during the 15th Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue last year . The Australian government urged China to exercise restraint in managing their security situation in Tibet; we also urged China to protect the cultural, linguistic and religious heritage of Tibetans. Established by the Howard government, the dialogue allows for a frank and constructive exchange of views at senior levels. It is important that matters such as this are handled in a mature and sensitive manner. I should indicate that the government has denied formality in accord with the convention that complex foreign affairs matters are not best dealt with through a binary vote on a motion such as this.
No comments