Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister to the Shadow Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry into human rights and democracy in Myanmar, set against the reality on the ground five years after the 2021 Myanmar coup. That unlawful seizure of power dismantled a democratically elected government; detained leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi; and triggered what is now a nationwide armed conflict. The key conclusion of this inquiry is clear: this is not a crisis that is resolving; it is a crisis that is evolving and worsening. The recommendations reflect this harsh reality. First, on the matter of elections and legitimacy, the military regime is attempting to create the appearance of political normalisation, but, of course, we know there is no free media and no political freedom, there are thousands of political prisoners and large parts of the country remain in active conflict. Under these conditions, no election can be considered free, fair or inclusive. Australia must not recognise any military-controlled election and must align with ASEAN and like-minded partners to avoid legitimising the regime.

On the matter of engagement with democratic actors, the report notes that, since the coup, an alternative democratic framework has emerged through the National Unity Government and the CRPH. The inquiry highlights the importance of structured engagement with these important and legitimate actors because, if we are to be serious about a civilian-led transition, humanitarian support alone will not be enough. Engagement must be formalised, structured and sustained.

On the matter of human rights and political conditions, the report notes that political leaders remain detained, violence against civilians continues and reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, sexual violence and air strikes are systemic and growing. The recommendation to increase coordinated diplomatic pressure, including for the release of political prisoners and the cessation of attacks on civilians, is essential. Without these baseline conditions, there can be no credible political process.

On the matter of humanitarian assistance, the report notes that Australia's approach, delivering aid through international organisations and civil society rather than the regime, is consistent, must be maintained and must be strengthened. But the scale of the crisis demands more. Millions have been displaced and access remains restricted. The inquiry calls for expanded, flexible and conflict-sensitive humanitarian support, particularly in areas outside military control.

On the matter of sanctions and accountability, the report notes that Australia has imposed targeted sanctions but enforcement gaps remain and are increasingly obvious. The continued importation of aviation fuel used in air strikes against civilians shows that the regime retains access to critical resources used against civilians. The recommendation here is clear: strengthen sanctions and coordinate more closely with partners to close these gaps. Sanctions must raise the cost of violence without increasing the burden on civilians. At the same time, accountability must remain central through support for international mechanisms and evidence preservation.

On the matter of regional security, perhaps the most important and emerging issue, Myanmar's crisis should be considered no longer contained within its borders. We are seeing refugee flows across South-East Asia along with the expansion of trafficking in narcotics and illicit finance. This is now a regional security issue, and the inquiry recommends stronger law enforcement and financial intelligence cooperation with regional partners.

On the matter of protection pathways, which are especially important to the Burmese diaspora in Australia, the inquiry also identifies the need to strengthen pathways for those at risk. Displacement is growing, and policy settings must reflect that reality.

On the importance of civic space and information, the report notes that the crackdown on media and civil society has been severe, yet independent journalism, civil society organisations and diaspora networks remain essential to accountability. The inquiry recommends stronger support for these actors, including digital safety and media resilience.

In conclusion, the inquiry provides a clear and coherent framework, and Australia's current policy is broadly aligned. But, five years on, the situation in Myanmar remains grave. What is required now is implementation, stronger coordination, more effective enforcement, deeper engagement with democratic actors and a sustained regional focus. Because, while Myanmar's future will ultimately be determined by its people, Australia has a role in ensuring that its future remains grounded in human rights, accountability and democratic legitimacy.