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

When it comes to securing good outcomes for Australians who find themselves in difficult legal circumstances or detained overseas, the approach we have taken is to pursue outcomes. We haven't taken the approach of seeking headlines or shouting from the rooftops. I know that there are some who seek to do that. We have taken the view that persistent diplomacy is the way we secure good outcomes.

Obviously, Cheng Lei, Sean Turnell, Chau Van Kham and Ken Elliott have all returned to Australia in the past two years. I pay respect to former foreign minister Payne, who also engaged in persistent diplomacy on this. We use the appropriate tools of diplomacy and statecraft, and we know there is more to do. Australia will continue to support our compatriots who are detained overseas. Again, I recognise the good work that DFAT and other agencies do in this regard.