David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:20 pm
SHOEBRIDGE () (): My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Farrell. The Prime Minister has said that the government has been working behind the scenes and engaging in quiet diplomacy regarding the extradition of Julian Assange. But quiet diplomacy can't be no diplomacy. What exactly is the government doing to secure the release of this Australian citizen, journalist and whistleblower?
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
I thank Senator Shoebridge for his question and congratulate him on his election. I think this might be your first question, and it's on a very important topic and that relates to Mr Julian Assange. The Australian government have been clear in our view that Mr Assange's case has dragged on for too long and that it should now be brought to a close. This is the view that we continue to convey to the governments of both the United Kingdom and the United States, along with our expectations that Mr Assange is entitled to due process, humane and fair treatment, access to proper medical care and access to his legal team.
But, as the Prime Minister has pointed out, not all foreign affairs is best conducted with a loudhailer or a megaphone, as we saw from the previous government. It's also worth noting that the extradition case is between the United States and the United Kingdom, a legal system that we respect. Australia, of course, is not a party to Mr Assange's case, and, as the legal operations still stand, our government, I'm advised, cannot intervene in the legal matters of another country, just as we wouldn't want those countries to intervene in our legal process. We will continue to monitor the case closely and we continue to seek assurances from the United Kingdom government about Mr Assange's welfare and his treatment.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:22 pm
Mr Assange's family has been seeking a meeting with Prime Minister Albanese. In fact, they're here in the building, and I acknowledge his father, John Shipton, and brother, Gabriel, who are in the chamber just behind us. Why won't the Prime Minister meet with the family and hear directly their concerns, which challenge what you say: concerns about Mr Assange's health, his safety and his future? Why won't you meet?
Sue Lines President
Senator Shoebridge, you are disorderly. If you have a point of order, stand and make it. You don't just stand up and shout out.
Peter Whish-Wilson Tasmania, Australian Greens
I'll tell you what's disorderly: it's no action.
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
The Prime Minister can speak for himself on this issue, but I have met Mr Shipton. I met him a couple of years ago.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
No. You're here representing him.
Sue Lines President
Senator Shoebridge, please resume your seat. You don't half-stand and then start shouting out a point of order. In this chamber you stand and you wait for the call. If you would like to stand, I will call your name and then, if you have a point of order, please make it. Senator Shoebridge.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
Point of order, President. The minister is here in his capacity representing the Prime Minister. That was what was put to the minister, and he was not being relevant in his answer.
Sue Lines President
Thank you, Senator Shoebridge. I believe the minister is being relevant. I will continue to listen carefully, and, if he is not relevant, I will point that out to him. Minister.
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
I have met Mr Shipton. It was a very moving meeting, and I personally can't think what it would be like to have one of my children incarcerated like Mr Assange has been incarcerated. As I've said before, we don't control the legal systems of other countries. We're offering all the support that we can for Mr Shipton's son under the consular arrangements, and the Prime Minister has said he wants an end to these proceedings. I don't think he can be clearer than— (Time expired)
Sue Lines President
Senator Shoebridge, a second supplementary question?
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:25 pm
The Prime Minister has previously said, 'Enough is enough,' and you've repeated it here today, Senator. The government has previously called for the USA to bring the matter to a close. By bringing matters to a close, do you mean allowing Mr Assange extradited to the USA, charged and convicted, sentenced to over a century in jail, and then perhaps seeking a prison transfer?
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
I thank Senator Shoebridge for his question. The prime minister has been extremely clear about what the policy and the position of the Australian government is. We want to bring this matter to a close.
I think it's worth making a couple of points. In June 2019 Mr Assange withdrew his consent for us to inquire about his health and his personal circumstances, and we've sought to receive assurances—
Don Farrell SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism
No, I am not blaming him, Senator Shoebridge. I'm simply pointing out that he withdrew consular assistance that the Australian government was providing.
Honourable senators interjecting—
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
I've told you what I've done; I've met with Mr Shipton.
Sue Lines President
Order! Minister Farrell, please direct your answers to the chair. I believe that time has expired.