Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 843 be taken as a formal motion.

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

Is any objection to the motion being taken as formal?

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

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

There is an objection.

Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

In lieu of suspending standing orders, I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

It is quite extraordinary that the government has denied formality on a motion in support of Taiwan, a vibrant democracy and indeed an important trading partner for Australia. This motion is largely based on the words that came from AUSMIN and it just reaffirms Australia's view that any resolution of differences between China and Taiwan must be peaceful. It's a shame that the Senate won't be able to stand and support Taiwan—42 million people who are under some threat from increased rhetoric and increased incursions into Taiwanese waters and air space by Chinese military aircraft.

Pauline Hanson (Queensland, Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

It's 24 million.

Rex Patrick (SA, Independent) | Link to this | Hansard source

Sorry—24 million; thank you, Senator Hanson. I am taken aback that the government would deny formality to a motion supporting Taiwan.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

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

Leave is granted for one minute.

Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government remains committed to its One China policy and does not take a position on Taiwan's future status. Stable and constructive cross-strait relations serve the interests of all parties. Australia calls for a peaceful resolution that does not involve the use or threat of force or coercion, consistent with its focus on security, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. It has been our longstanding policy position to support Taiwan's meaningful inclusion in all international organisations where the requirement for statehood does not preclude involvement, including the World Health Organization. We continue to value Taiwan as an important economic partner for Australia, as our seventh-largest goods export market in 2019. But, as a longstanding tradition, we deny formality on complex matters of foreign policy.