Senate debates

Wednesday, 2 December 2020

Bills

Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Bill 2020, Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2020; In Committee

12:43 pm

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

The government does not support the amendments. We've had a number of discussions in the committee stage on that matter. I don't think that the proposed amendments add clarity, but they do run the risk of creating legal uncertainty. We believe the terms should be interpreted in the context of the Commonwealth's prerogative to determine Australia's foreign policy and foreign relations.

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