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

I thank Senator Steele-John for the question. Yes, I am aware of the coup d'etat in Chile which took place on this day in 1973. The tragedy that that was has been well documented. On this anniversary, we recognise the widespread suffering, the torture, the enforced disappearances and the human rights abuses which occurred during the brutal dictatorship over 17 years. I also want to recognise the Chilean diaspora and its contribution to Australia. There are many who arrived in this country as a consequence of what occurred in 1973 and the ensuing dictatorship. This commemoration serves as a sombre reminder of the importance of safeguarding democracy and the rule of law against attempts to use violence for political gain.

I do have some concerns about some of the commentary that has been engaged in by the Greens political party. I appreciate the position you have on the US alliance. It is not the position—