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

I thank Senator Rice and Senator Wong for their contributions. Senator Wong has made some salient points, particularly in relation to the role of the executive. I say to the chamber that the decisions that are made are already subject to parliamentary scrutiny. They are legislative instruments, including the scrutiny by the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Delegated Legislation. They are disallowable by the parliament.

I think it is important to acknowledge the points that have been made in relation to the clear and plain fact that, from time to time, governments will need to exercise judgement in relation to these matters, based on all of the information that is available to them in the context of the sorts of issues that have to be considered—in particular, in the application of sanctions, which is obviously a very serious and very considered decision to be taken by a government. We have also said in the past that the suggestion that prior notice be given to parliament does rather defeat the purpose of these steps if it gives potential sanctions targets an opportunity to move or conceal assets. That would ultimately dilute the purpose of listings as well.