Senate debates Questions without Notice
Solomon Islands: Election
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:02 pm
I don't accept some of the assertions in the question. I would again go back to my primary answer, which is that there has been a longstanding practice of governments of both political persuasions to provide support for democratic processes in Solomon Islands. As I said, we recently provided support for PNG, and I think some of those opposite may have been invited to observe the election process. We will support Solomon Islands next election, whether held in 2023 or 2024. I would indicate to the Senate that, obviously, this is an offer that has been reiterated on more than one occasion, including by Minister Conroy as well as by officials.
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