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

That assertion is completely false. It is completely false and it is irresponsible. I know that those opposite are desperate to try and play politics with trade policy. Of course they are. But the reality is this decision was made on an independent basis, because Australia's biosecurity is not up for negotiation—end of story. That is the truth. That is the end of the story, Senator Scarr.

But there is a more important point here, which is the point I made earlier. I think Australians do understand the challenges that are presented by a US administration that has a very different view about America's place in the world, by a US administration that has a very different view about its position on trade—one that is very different even from the first iteration of President Trump's presidency. Now, what they would want is responsible leaders to navigate those challenges. It would be much better if we could do that on a bipartisan basis. (Time expired)