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

If you are referring to the Prime Minister's statement, I observed that. He was talking about a calm, considered, disciplined approach to diplomacy, which we have deployed in relation to all of those cases. Mr Assange went through an American legal process. You've heard me in this chamber, Senator—in response to other senators, including Senator Shoebridge—say that these are matters for either the United Kingdom or the US courts. In the comparable case, the matter could not be resolved until legal processes had been resolved. That is what occurred when the department of justice and Mr Assange appeared before the court in Saipan, and a judgement was entered. I will say to you, Senator, that it is appropriate for us to advocate on behalf of Australian citizens. (Time expired)