Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Tourism) | Hansard source

I'll start again. It's clear that there is a strong interest in the management of Australia's relationship with China among members and senators. There have been many expressions of this interest, including the proposal from Senator Patrick for an inquiry. Labor notes the government will not be supporting an inquiry. We believe that the call for an inquiry reflects the broader desire among parliamentarians to be better briefed on the points of convergence and the points of divergence in Australia's relationship with China.

China is, and will continue to be, of great importance to Australia, the region and the world. The key question for Australia is: how do we best make the relationship work for us? It is reasonable and appropriate for parliamentarians to want assurance that our national interest is being served, and access to quality briefing is critical in constructive parliamentary engagement. Last month, in the interests of a calm and mature debate and the hope of continuing a bipartisan approach to the relationship, Labor wrote to the foreign minister requesting that relevant agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Office of National Intelligence provide detailed and comprehensive briefing for parliamentarians on Australia's relationship with China. Labor continues to believe this is the best approach, regardless of Senator Patrick's conspiracy theories. Labor is also establishing caucus processes for engagement on this subject, because Labor believes it is the job of all parliamentarians to protect and advance its national interest. The national interest is best served by a bipartisan approach to the relationship. This does not mean uncritical support for the government's approach; rather, it means having a sensible, calm and mature discussion without seeking to exploit complexities in the China relationship for political advantage.