Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government does remain concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet. Australia has consistently raised its concerns with Chinese counterparts in Canberra and Beijing during the 15th Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue last year . The Australian government urged China to exercise restraint in managing their security situation in Tibet; we also urged China to protect the cultural, linguistic and religious heritage of Tibetans. Established by the Howard government, the dialogue allows for a frank and constructive exchange of views at senior levels. It is important that matters such as this are handled in a mature and sensitive manner. I should indicate that the government has denied formality in accord with the convention that complex foreign affairs matters are not best dealt with through a binary vote on a motion such as this.