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

Australia is joining with the whole region to convince all claimants, including China, that resolving disputes according to international law is the way to ensure that peace and prosperity in the region continue. It is important that claimants conduct themselves in ways that are consistent with international law and negotiate to settle any differences.

By breaking ranks, Senator Dastyari undermines this collective endeavour. Whatever Senator Dastyari's motives might be, his conduct is damaging both to the credibility of the Labor Party and to our national interest. For the reasons I explained earlier in the day, Senator Dastyari must explain why it is that he has taken a different position in relation to the South China Sea issue from the foreign policy announced by the Labor Party.