Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I would respectfully not agree, Senator, with that interpretation. As a minister in the government with responsibility for these matters, there is an expectation that I would take into account—that the foreign minister of our nation would take into account—our interests, our objectives and the best options to achieve outcomes, and ultimately these reforms are about Australia's interests as well as the issues that have been discussed in other remarks today.

Senator, in the interests of time I am not going to reiterate all of the steps that Australia has taken in relation to Myanmar. But, again, you and I have discussed those in our estimates exchanges. I have reiterated my strong support for the ASEAN initiatives in relation to addressing this. I share the frustration of a number of ASEAN members, which has been expressed publicly in relation to this. I share concerns, particularly in terms of operational support for the military, for the Tatmadaw. We have joined calls and led calls for the ceasing of the transfer of arms, materiel, dual use equipment and technical assistance to the ministry and its representatives. We already have an arms embargo, and we are supportive of calls for a global arms embargo and will continue to do that. But I don't agree with the proposition that you are putting—that this amendment should be included in this bill for this purpose. I don't think it is the appropriate place.

Question negatived.