George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Wong. Thank you for that important question. North Korea poses a grave and increasing threat to regional and global security. Its test this morning of another ballistic missile further highlights its disregard for the safety and security of our region. Australia will not accept North Korea's illegal nuclear and ballistic missile tests and its threats. Increased diplomatic and economic pressure is an essential pillar of the collective strategy to put pressure upon Pyongyang. It is vital that all members of the international community fully implement the United Nations Security Council resolutions, and Australia is moving quickly to do so.

Australia, as honourable senators will be aware, has its own autonomous sanctions regime aimed at limiting North Korea's ability to develop weapons of mass destruction. The foreign minister has agreed to designate another 11 individuals and nine entities under the autonomous sanctions for their association with North Korea's illegal weapons program or for flouting the United Nations Security Council resolutions. We constantly review our autonomous sanctions to ensure that they are coordinated with those of the United States and other like-minded partners. We will continue to work with those partners, including the Republic of Korea, the United States, Japan and China, to maintain pressure on North Korea to change its behaviour.