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

I thank Senator Paterson for his question. Beijing has this week disqualified four duly elected Legislative Council of Hong Kong lawmakers. On 11 November, the 23rd meeting of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing agreed to a resolution that outlines disqualification criteria for members of the legislative council, including a specific reference to 'endangering national security'.

It is the view of the Australian government that the disqualification of candidates and members severely undermines Hong Kong's democratic processes and institutions, as well as the high degree of autonomy set out in the basic law in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Australia has issued a statement. Australia calls on authorities to allow the legislative council to fulfil its role as the primary forum for popular political expression in Hong Kong and to remain a key pillar of the rule of law and the 'one country, two systems' framework. We urge the Chinese government and Hong Kong authorities to uphold their longstanding commitments and international legal obligations. This is critical to maintaining international confidence in Hong Kong.

This latest measure follows earlier developments that have also concerned Australia and many other nations. It continues an approach that steadily erodes the rights of the people of Hong Kong. Australia and the international community will maintain a consistent focus on human rights and principles of freedom, transparency, autonomy and the rule of law and will continue to monitor developments in this matter closely.