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

I thank Senator Ayres for his question. This matter was discussed in the estimates hearing, as Senator Ayres said. I made clear my views at the time. The pledge that this government believes people should make in Australia is to Australia. That is a clear and consistent position taken by both the Prime Minister, members of the cabinet and members of the government. In terms of the comments that Senator Ayres has referred to, I have also indicated that Australia is the bastion of robust democracy, on any interpretation. There will be views expressed with which people agree and disagree, but, most importantly, I will defend the right of people to talk about issues that are matters of concern and interest to them—across the parliament. And anyone who tries to pretend that this is only an issue apparently for one side of the parliament is either delusional or deceptive.