Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I want to commend the minister and the Prime Minister of the government for moving swiftly in relation to this matter. I think the point the minister makes is incredibly important to underscore. It is incredibly important for the Australian public to hear and, as I said yesterday in response to a different matter, for our friends and adversaries to hear that there is an absolutely unified position from the Australian parliament, representing the Australian people, that we won't tolerate foreign espionage conducted in a way that is against our national interest. We won't tolerate people seeking to interfere with electoral processes in our country.

The work of the government was briefed to me, the Leader of the Nationals and Senator Birmingham last night. We received that advice and pledged to the Prime Minister during the course of that meeting that it was our view shared that it was in our national interest that this matter be dealt with expeditiously by the parliament. We were able to do that. Again, I think it sends a very clear message to those that would seek to act against our national interests that they find no friend in this parliament in relation to their activities. We will do whatever it takes to make sure that we ensure our sovereignty, and that will always be the case.

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