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

I thank Senator Urquhart for the question, given that the Prime Minister has just responded in the House to a question on Mr Assange. The Prime Minister and I have been very clear. Mr Assange's case has dragged on for too long. Over the last two years, the Albanese government has advocated for him to come home. That advocacy has been led by the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister has been very clear about the priority he gives to Mr Assange's case. He has been supported in that by the Attorney-General and me, and by the relentless work of senior diplomats and others. We want to be in a position to see Mr Assange reunited with his family in Australia. Mr Assange has legal proceedings scheduled in the United States. Obviously, it isn't appropriate for me or anyone to comment on ongoing court proceedings. What I can do is acknowledge that there are many here in parliament who have advocated for Mr Assange to come home, as have supporters in Australia and around the world.

Since we came to office, the Albanese Labor government has been working to bring Mr Assange's case to a close. The Prime Minister has led these efforts and has personally raised Mr Assange's case at the most senior levels, including with President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak. Similarly, the Attorney-General, and I, as foreign minister, have raised Mr Assange's case, as I've said in this place, with American and United Kingdom counterparts. Australian officials—in particular, Ambassador Kevin Rudd and High Commissioner Stephen Smith—have worked closely with US and UK officials in support of these efforts. We have worked constructively with the US and UK for the efforts to find a pathway for all parties.