Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Shoebridge for his question. I'd make a few points about Mr Assange. I understand that there is strong interest in the case, that there is a depth of community sentiment, and we have made clear publicly, before the election and since, that the government's view is that Mr Assange's case has dragged on too long and should be brought to a close. It is not generally my practice to give chapter and verse of everything that is said in every diplomatic communication. But in the interests of transparency on this issue I have said that I have personally expressed this view—the view that Mr Assange's case has dragged on long enough and should be brought to a close—to the government of the United States and the government of the United Kingdom, and I will continue to do so.

The Prime Minister has also made clear in the parliament, and I'd refer you to his answers, that he has raised this case at the appropriate levels. What I would say is this—and you would know this, Senator Shoebridge, as a lawyer. We are not able, as an Australian government, to intervene in another country's legal or court processes.