Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion no. 641 standing in my name for today, relating to Tibetan political prisoners, be taken as a formal motion.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There is objection to formality for this motion, Senator Hanson-Young.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Australian government does remain concerned about the human rights situation in Tibet. Australia has consistently raised its concerns with Chinese counterparts in Canberra and Beijing during the 15th Australia-China Human Rights Dialogue last year . The Australian government urged China to exercise restraint in managing their security situation in Tibet; we also urged China to protect the cultural, linguistic and religious heritage of Tibetans. Established by the Howard government, the dialogue allows for a frank and constructive exchange of views at senior levels. It is important that matters such as this are handled in a mature and sensitive manner. I should indicate that the government has denied formality in accord with the convention that complex foreign affairs matters are not best dealt with through a binary vote on a motion such as this.