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

I would make the point that sanctions—firstly, we don't discuss or telegraph any consideration of sanctions in any circumstances. The second point I would make—and I appreciate that, in opposition, you are free to take a different view—is that I think governments have to always think very carefully about what is the appropriate measure to take in relation to situations of international concern. There are occasions where sanctions are imposed. They are rarely our first choice. They should be used judiciously, and they are usually used in conjunction with other response measures. What I would say to you, Senator, is that all of us here are united in our belief that any government of Australia and parliament of Australia should always ensure we protect our democratic institutions. (Time expired)