Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government does not support this motion. As has been stated on numerous occasions, the government objects to using formal motions to deal with complex international matters, particularly those involving other governments. As Mr Smith said in his comprehensive statement on 8 February, Australia has long been appalled by both the Burmese military’s suppression of the democratic aspirations of the Burmese people and its disrespect for their human rights.

The government holds grave concerns about indications of heightened tensions between the regime and Burma’s many armed ethnic groups. We have consistently urged the Burmese authorities to engage in dialogue with all Burma’s ethnic groups to seek non-military solutions to these long-running conflicts.

The motion refers to the establishment of a commission of inquiry. In order for a commission of inquiry to be effective, it would require the cooperation of the relevant state—Burma, in this case—and would face significant practical obstacles in getting established. Australia’s existing sanction measures—financial sanctions and travel restrictions—are carefully targeted to place pressure on senior members of the Burmese regime and their supporters. Until we see significant change from Burma’s authorities, the Australian government will maintain a policy of targeted financial sanctions. I thank the Senate.