Anthony Byrne (Holt, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

elegant as well—and I would continue to hold, in my mind, that particular point of view. The fourth was Senator Robert Ray.

But, when some talk about the unbalanced nature of the relationship with the United States, I quote a speech that Kim Beazley gave to this place on 24 June 2004 about our alliance relationship. He said:

That alliance relationship stands because many in government make judgments about the Australian national interest and the fact that it serves it. But it also stands because Australians believe their relationship with the United States is a matter of fair dealing. Australians believe that, in entering a relationship with the United States, we are entering a relationship with a people who are roughly compatible with us in outlook and views about life.

If you do not like the government of the day in the United States, they might not like ours. If you do not like their opposition, they might not like ours. But you know that at the end of the day the process will produce from time to time governments in the United States which every single Australian will have agreements with.

I echo those sentiments and add my voice in support of this motion that has been put forward by the member for Canning.

See this speech in context