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

It is the clear and firm view of the Australian government, which I understand to be shared on both sides of politics, that the Australian-American alliance is the foundation of our strategic security, and that will continue. It will continue whether there is a Republican or a Democratic administration in the United States. It will continue whether there is a coalition or a Labor Party administration in Australia. That is not to say that there will not be occasions on which Australia and the United States disagree. This is such an occasion on which we do disagree. Australia will maintain its representation to Israel in Tel Aviv. We think that is appropriate. I've indicated to you the ways in which the Australian government considers the final status of Jerusalem ought to be resolved. But that difference, notwithstanding, does not affect one iota the centrality of the Australian-American relationship.