Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I, again, thank the senator for a very important question. Of course, South-East Asia and the focus on South-East Asia is just so important for Australia's security and something that we, on this side of the chamber, have always understood, which is why, if you look at the history of government in this country, it is Labor governments which have brought such a strong focus to South-East Asia. We recognise, on this side of the chamber, that our future is tied to the future of the region we share. So deepening our partnership with ASEAN is one of my top priorities as foreign minister. Australia's interests lie in shaping a strategic equilibrium in the region, where countries are not forced to choose, but can make their own sovereign choices, and ASEAN is central to that.

I am, today, departing for Phnom Penh for ASEAN meetings.

An opposition senator: Another junket!

'A junket'? Well, I'll take that interjection. It just shows the disrespect for ASEAN and the importance of security in our region from the other side, and I suggest you should speak to Senator Birmingham about that interjection.