Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Brandis. Is the minister aware that East Timor's natural resources minister, Mr Alfredo Perez, has said that the alleged espionage by spies undercover as aid workers has ruptured trust. If so, what implications does this ruptured trust have for the safety of Australian aid workers working around the world, given that now they may be suspected as spies?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Milne, for the question. I have seen those statements. The statements were made in the context of an arbitration that is currently on foot between Australia and Timor-Leste, which commenced with a directions hearing at The Hague last week. The honourable senator would not expect me to comment on proceedings before an arbitration, nor, I would have thought, would the honourable senator expect me to comment on allegations in relation to intelligence matters.

Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question was about the safety of our aid workers around the world, and I ask again: what are the safety implications for them as a result of these allegations? What are the implications for the effectiveness of Australian aid programs now that those programs are dependent on cooperation with government agencies and NGOs in other countries? How can we be sure that that cooperation will continue to be extended?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The claims that have been made against Australia in the arbitration of Timor-Leste are disputed by Australia. Beyond making that perhaps obvious point, I have nothing to add to my earlier answer.

Christine Milne (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Will the government be establishing an inquiry into these allegations of aid workers being used as a cover for spying and, if not, what action is the minister going to take to make sure that Australian aid programs are not used as cover for espionage, in order to rebuild trust with our partner countries?

George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Australia does not accept the allegations. Australia disputes the allegations. Beyond that, as the honourable senator ought to know, it is not the practice of any Australian government to comment on intelligence matters.