Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. Is the President of Russia welcome to visit Australia for the G20 meeting in Brisbane in November?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I will take the detail of that question on notice—what the position is—keeping in mind that Australia is not in full control of the G20. The G20 is a group of countries that have come together to pursue certain economic and other issues and therefore if Australia were to unilaterally determine one way or the other who or who may not be welcome I could imagine that there could be potential consequences for the general viability of the G20. Having said that, I will take the detail of the question on notice to ascertain whether there is more material that I might be able to advance for the benefit of the senator.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I refer to the Prime Minister's statement in relation to President Putin's participation in the G20 that it is 'very important that Australia act with the strength and self-respect that you would expect'. I also refer to today's Australian Financial Review, which says that the Prime Minister is hoping for a face-saving compromise. Is hoping President Putin will not come the best the Prime Minister can do?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One would have thought that somebody who, one would imagine, is experienced in matters governmental and in foreign affairs would realise that, from time to time—and I do not know whether this report is correct or not—you might entertain certain hopes but still know that the answer is not necessarily completely up to you. You do need to talk and liaise with the other members of the G20 to determine what an appropriate course of action is. As I said in answer to the previous question, if there is any further detail that the Prime Minister would seek to add to that which I have offered, I will present that to the chamber.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. I refer to the sanctions Australia imposed upon Russia in response to the loss of life aboard MH17. Can the minister guarantee that travel sanctions will not be waived for any member of the Russian delegation planning to attend the G20 meeting in Brisbane?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In relation to travel arrangements, I do note, as an example, that I chaired the labour and employment component of the G20 in Melbourne. The Russian minister did attend that. Whether or not there will be travel sanctions imposed is a matter that may or may not be contemplated by the government.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On a point of order, Mr President: the question was about the sanctions which were already imposed and whether or not they would be waived for members of the Russian delegation.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, Senator Wong, your question was exactly as you said. I think the minister was answering about travel arrangements. He was quoting one example and he still has half his answer left to go.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I make the point that travel arrangements and travel sanctions are not the same thing.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I accept that, Senator Wong. But the minister has about half his time left to answer the question.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I indicated, these matters are extremely sensitive. The world community is seeking to get the G20 to address some of the economic imperatives to help lift our societies in the areas of economic development and job creation, for example. That is something the world is focused on—as indeed the world has been rightly focused on the MH17 disaster. I will take the further detail on notice.