Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Prime Minister is entitled to make a statement.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think it would assist the House–

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted. We were not given notice, but leave is granted.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I apologise. Madam Speaker, I thought it would assist the House if I was able to inform the House and members opposite that this morning I received the letter from President Yudhoyono that he promised last night. I want to assure the House that the government will respond swiftly, fully and courteously to the president's letter. As always, my intention is to do everything I reasonably can to strengthen this relationship which is so important to both our countries. I want Australia to remain Indonesia's trusted partner now and in the future.

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the Prime Minister for his information to the House. The position of the opposition on this matter is clear. Let me again in this place reiterate our commitment to bipartisan support in the swift and timely restoration of Australia's relationship with Indonesia. We know that our relationship with Indonesia can recover; it can thrive; it can prosper—it must. Our commitment is to see the improvement and repair of this relationship conducted in a timely way. Our position continues to be one of support for the government. Now is the time for temperate language and carefully calibrated discussion with our Indonesian colleagues. As I have said in this place on a number of times in recent days, a strong and constructive relationship is fundamental to our national interest. The seriousness of this matter or the sense of offence that our Indonesian friends are feeling means that we must redouble our efforts to return to a positive and constructive dialogue between our governments. Other nations have resolved similar matters. We can too, and we must do this in a timely manner.