Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 5 December 2011:

In regard to the Minister's responsibility for the protection of consular and legal rights of all Australian citizens overseas and the answer to question on notice no. 1282 regarding Mr Julian Assange:

(1) On what dates have consular officers 'been in regular touch with his lawyers'.

(2) When consular officials 'attended all eleven of Mr Assange's court appearances' did any interaction or exchange occur with Mr Assange or his legal team.

(3) As a result of attending all eleven of Mr. Assange's court appearances, what reporting did consular officials provide and to whom.

(4) On the three occasions when the Australian Government sought assurances from Sweden that Mr Assange's case would be handled in accordance with due process (7 December 2010, 5 January and 10 February 2011): (a) did the Government seek specific assurances that Mr Assange would not be subject to the temporary surrender mechanism that could specifically result in his extradition to the United States of America (US); if so did the government seek such assurances in the form of writing or through verbal communications; and (b) what was the Government told by the Swedish authorities and in what form.

(5) Given the answer to question 1282 indicated that the Government 'has no formal advice of any Grand Jury investigation' when the question asked as to whether the Government sought advice, has the Government actually sought clarification, formally or informally, from the US Government about the existence of a Grand Jury investigation and as to what crimes for which Mr. Assange is being investigated.

(6) What legal or other advice has the department sought and from whom regarding Mr Assange's current extradition process.

(7) To whom has the department provided legal and other advice regarding Mr. Assange's current extradition process.