Andrew Robb (Goldstein, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I think I only have a minute to respond, but I am very pleased to rise to support this motion, which rightly condemns Mugabe’s regime for subverting the electoral process and, furthermore, for compromising the welfare of all Zimbabweans in his own brutal pursuit of holding on to power. I commend the member for Fremantle for bringing this matter forward tonight. The future of Zimbabwe is once again at the crossroads. We are witnessing the destruction of a nation, an escalating crisis and a need for action.

In the interests of time I just want to make one or two major points. We need the African leaders to act as one. We need to see African leaders like Nelson Mandela presenting a strong point of view—taking on, advising and pressuring Mr Mugabe. Other leaders should follow the lead of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and call for the resignation of President Mugabe.

We, as a country, should look to the Commonwealth to convene a special heads of government meeting to put pressure again on the African leaders. One third of the Commonwealth heads of government members are African leaders. Action must be taken and it must be taken now.

Debate interrupted.

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