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

I first say that the mistreatment of female passengers was a terrible incident. I think we all would agree with that. I think all Australians were shocked by the events. I also say, as I have said publicly, that we appreciate the State of Qatar's efforts following the incident to investigate, apologise and ensure it's never repeated, including establishing the task force to review airport procedures and protocols. I acknowledge the work Senator Payne engaged in in relation to that.

I was briefed on this matter following the election. I tasked officials, including our ambassador to Doha, to continue to engage with Qatari authorities in support of requests made by the women. That has been done on numerous occasions. I can confirm that I have also raised these matters with my Qatari counterpart.

We hope that there will be full implementation of the task force recommendations. We continue to engage with this issue in support of the women concerned in a manner that is appropriate and we will make appropriate representations to the Qatari authorities.