David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:17 pm
My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Right now, Julian Assange's life is hanging by a thread. We know that tonight, Australian time, there'll be a decision from the UK courts on his last appeal. If he's extradited to the United States, the medical evidence is clear: he will likely never return. What is your government doing to obtain his free return home?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Thank you to Senator Shoebridge for the question. He is correct; we do understand that a decision on Mr Assange's case is expected soon. As you would know, this matter is before the UK courts. I appreciate that Senator Shoebridge has previously made comments, with which we don't agree, about our capacity to intervene in legal proceedings of another country—another jurisdiction. Obviously, the Australian government cannot do that. I can confirm, however, that the Prime Minister and I have personally raised this issue with both the United States and the United Kingdom. I can confirm that that occurred very recently in the last instance, and there have been an ongoing set of representations. The government is also engaging closely with Mr Assange and his legal team, and we will continue to do this.
There is obviously strong interest in this case. There is a depth of community sentiment. The Prime Minister has said quite clearly publicly and I have reiterated that we believe that enough is enough and there is nothing to be served by Mr Assange's ongoing incarceration. Obviously, we have also ensured that Mr Assange has been visited by our high commissioner, Mr Smith. And, as I said to you previously, Senator, there is a limit, until Mr Assange's legal processes are concluded, on what government can do. As you will recall, a resolution by government was only possible after legal processes had been concluded in a— (Time expired)
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
2:19 pm
If Julian Assange loses his appeal tonight, what, if any, assurance have you sought from our close friends in the United Kingdom and the United States that he will not immediately be deported to the United States? Are you leveraging our multibillion-dollar AUKUS commitments or any other diplomatic asset to defend the fundamental rights of a citizen?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:20 pm
We have made representations, and you will recall, Senator, that, in relation to the United Kingdom's legal proceedings, we are not in a position to intervene in the legal proceedings of another country; however, we have made clear our view that there is nothing more to be served by this matter of Mr Assange continuing to be incarcerated and we believe the matter should be brought to an end. I can only indicate to you that we are engaging at a government-to-government level, and the government has also been engaging with Mr Assange's legal team.
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
Minister, there are global concerns about the precedent this case would set if the USA is able to try a foreign citizen for journalism, with the former UN special rapporteur on torture saying, 'If Julian Assange is convicted, it will be a death sentence for freedom of the press.' What assurance will you give Australian journalists that this government will not be bullied by the US into handing over a journalist from Australia for prosecution there?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
2:21 pm
I think that's a hypothetical question, and a made-up question, because there is no—
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Whish-Wilson, would you like to make a speech, because you always just interrupt the question time.
Peter Whish-Wilson Tasmania, Australian Greens
I could probably do a better job than you.
Sue Lines President
Senator Whish-Wilson, withdraw that comment.
Senator Whish-Wilson, when you withdraw, you stand and you withdraw respectfully.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Shoebridge, you are proceeding from the situation with Julian Assange, where many representations have been made, including publicly, to suggesting that some—
Sue Lines President
Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Hanson-Young, do you wish to raise a point of order?
Sarah Hanson-Young SA, Australian Greens
President, could Senator Wong address the answer to the question through the chair and not directly to individual senators, please?
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator Shoebridge is creating some hypothetical about an Australian journalist in Australia being extradited to the United States. There is no such case of which I'm aware, and what I would say to you—
No, from Australia. But they can't have it both ways: they don't want me to look at them, but they're happy to yell at me. Which one do you want, Senator Hanson-Young? Do you want the blokes to be able to yell, or do you want me to address them through the chair?
Nick McKim Tasmania, Australian Greens
Question time is when you answer the questions!
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
I'm happy to continue.
Sue Lines President
Minister Wong, I have Senator Shoebridge on his feet.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Order across the chamber! I have a senator on his feet. Senator Shoebridge, a point of order?
David Shoebridge NSW, Australian Greens
I'd ask you to draw the minister to her task in question time, which is to answer questions, not ask them. Her behaviour is out of order.
Penny Wong SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs
We always advocate for Australian citizens and Australian journalists, and you would have seen that from the actions we have taken since we've been in government. (Time expired)