Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Faruqi for her question on the very serious issue of the New Zealand royal commission of inquiry into the terrorist attacks on Christchurch mosques. The government is obviously aware of the report into the attacks and that it has been made public. It is a lengthy report, with 44 recommendations contained within it. Our understanding is that the New Zealand government has either agreed or agreed in principle, as part of its interim response, to the report. The New Zealand government has committed that it will deliver a final response to the report in the new year, following consultation with members of the New Zealand community.

Our government has a strong partnership with New Zealand when it comes to countering all forms of terrorism, including through our joint membership of the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee. I give the senator—indeed, all senators—and the Australian public the commitment that our government will examine the report thoroughly, all 44 of its recommendations thoroughly and the final response of the New Zealand government to the report thoroughly, and will engage with the New Zealand government on how it is implementing the recommendations of the report and consider any and all implications for the operation of our own counterterrorism policies and practices.