George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

Senator Fawcett, thank you for that question. I am disappointed the former shadow minister for defence does not treat it with the seriousness that it deserves. It is indeed important that elected officials be extremely careful in what they say on foreign policy and security matters. That applies not just to ministers; it applies to senior members of the opposition as well. That is why consistency within either party is how we defend and promote Australia's vital interests in the region and the world.

The coalition government has held the same unified and consistent position in relation to the South China Sea for that very reason. It is the busiest commercial shipping zone in the world and it is an area through which around two-thirds of our trade passes. The government's position is consistent and clear. We ask all claimants to abide by international law, especially the arbitration ruling in the Philippines case; to resolve their disputes peacefully; to refrain from coercive behaviour; and to avoid unilateral attempts to change the facts on the ground. In particular, we work closely with the United States and with all of our Asian partners to ensure we maintain the same position and send the same messages to the world. All of us in this chamber know what is at stake. The more consistent and unified the stance, the better the chances that peace, stability and continued prosperity will endure.