Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
4:29 pm
I ask that general business notice of motion No. 770, standing my name for today, relating to the Uygur leader Ms Rebiya Kadeer, be taken as a formal motion. She is here in the parliament today, and the motion welcomes her to Australia.
Scott Ryan President
Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
Yes.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
I seek leave to make a short statement.
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
I find it extremely disappointing that a world leader such as Ms Kadeer is being denied a welcome through a simple motion in this chamber today. There are no reflections beyond her desire to speak for her people—10 million Uygurs who are systematically discriminated against as a minority in China. I find it abhorrent that this government cannot even be bothered to allow a motion that simply welcomes her to this country. She's here on official business and, just like any other community leader or world leader, she deserves the acknowledgement of the chamber, of the parliament and of the government. I understand that Ms Kadeer asked for an audience with our Minister for Foreign Affairs, but that has fallen on deaf ears. I urge the foreign minister, Julie Bishop, to arrange for some type of meeting to occur. (Time expired)
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
4:31 pm
I seek leave to make a short statement.
James McGrath Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister
As formal motions cannot be debated or amended, they should not deal with complex and contested foreign policy matters, particularly where the motion has the potential to damage Australia's relations with other nations.