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

I note, in respect of the articles themselves, that they're obviously not matters to which the Australian government is a party in their preparation or their progression. We've been clear and have regularly and respectfully raised our concerns with the Solomon Islands government about these matters of security engagement. It is particularly concerning to us that there may be associated with this any actions that undermine the stability and the security of our region, as I have said previously and repeated in public comments in recent days. We believe that the Pacific family, in the broad, is best placed to provide security assistance to the Solomon Islands, and we stand ready to assist further if that is needed. We have been explicitly and emphatically clear in relation to that—and, in fact, not just in words, because that is what our deeds demonstrate in all of our actions in relation to engagement on these matters with Solomon Islands. (Time expired)