Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

I thank the Senate. In the circumstance, I thought it would be useful to express support for the comments made by Senator Payne. I make clear on behalf of the opposition that we condemn in the strongest terms the action taken by the Chinese government. It is gratuitous, it is inflammatory and it is deeply offensive. We say that this is not the action, not the behaviour, of a responsible, mature international power. These tactics will be met with unified condemnation in the Australian community and they will be judged harshly by the international community. The men and women of the Australian Defence Force serve with honour. They deserve our respect and the respect of our allies, friends and partners around the world. The allegations in the Brereton report have horrified Australia. What sets us apart is the dignified, transparent and accountable manner of our response. That is what happens within the Australian democracy. I thank the Senate.