Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 1340 standing in my name for today, relating to Cambodia, be taken as a formal motion.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?

An honourable senator: Yes.

There is, Senator Di Natale.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In lieu of suspending standing orders, I seek leave to make a one-minute statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Richard Di Natale (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Once again we see the government blocking the will of the Senate and refusing us the chance to vote on what is an important motion. Cambodia's democracy has crumbled. We've seen a sham election and disgraceful abuses of human rights by Hun Sen's regime. The Greens stand shoulder to shoulder with the Cambodian community. We say loudly and clearly to Hun Sen: we will not stand by while you dismantle Cambodia's democracy. We certainly welcome the position that the ALP have taken with their strong words against the regime in the House last year, but we are disappointed that they've chosen not to co-sponsor this motion with us. Enough is enough. People's human rights are being abused by an autocratic regime. We need targeted sanctions of Cambodia and we need them implemented right now.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government has expressed its concern with Cambodia's 2018 election process on multiple occasions, including directly to the Cambodian government and in statements to the UN Human Rights Council. Reflecting these concerns, Australia chose not to send observers to monitor the elections and was not represented at the inauguration of Cambodia's National Assembly. The Australian government welcomed the release of the opposition leader from house arrest and continues to urge Cambodia to allow free political participation and debate without violence or intimidation. Allegations of illegal activity by Cambodians in Australia have been referred to the relevant authorities.