Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Farrell. Australia has always stood up for the rules based order and opposed actions that violate international law. Australia's actions today have been mirrored by more than 20 countries around the world, including the United States and Canada. The Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs are working with their counterparts in the United Kingdom and other nations to ensure that we are protecting Australia's interests and those of our international friends and partners. British Prime Minister Theresa May has emphasised in the House of Commons the solidarity between the UK and its partners in the EU, North America, NATO and her other allies, such as Australia. She said:

If the Kremlin's goal is to divide and intimidate the western alliance, then their efforts have spectacularly backfired.

Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement strongly protesting the decision by other nations to expel diplomats, calling it unfriendly, confrontational and provocative. However, Australia remains committed to acting with its allies and partners to deter Russia's actions where they are a threat to international security.