Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McKenzie for her question. To add to the statements of the Attorney-General: as both the Prime Minister, the foreign minister and I have consistently said, Australia condemns North Korea's ongoing development of nuclear and ballistic missile programs in the strongest possible terms. North Korea has shown that it has no regard for the welfare of its own population, no regard for the security of, and good relations with, its neighbours, and no regard for international law.

North Korea has claimed nuclear capability. It is repeatedly testing ICBMs. It has issued directed threats against the United States, South Korea, Japan and, indeed, Australia. Reports today of North Korea's threat to strike Guam further underlines the need for the regime to abandon its illegal ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs. North Korea's actions are, as the Attorney-General said, in blatant breach of UN Security Council resolutions. Its actions undermine regional security and stability, and the international community cannot tolerate this behaviour. North Korea's long-term interests would be best served by ceasing its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs and engaging positively with the international community. Australia will continue to work with the international community in response to North Korea's actions to seek a resolution in a peaceful manner and to ensure the long-term stability of our region.