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

I, and on behalf of Senators Back and Xenophon and the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator Wong), move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes with deep concern:

(i) That the Australian journalist, Mr Peter Greste, remains subject to an ongoing re trial in Egypt,

(ii) that having been deported from Egypt under Presidential Decree, Mr Greste continues to be subject to ongoing proceedings,

(iii) the nature of the charges and allegations made against Mr Greste, and

(iv) the nature and the lack of evidence presented before the Court by the prosecution in respect of those charges;

(b) acknowledges:

(i) the important role journalists perform internationally in their work, and

(ii) the extensive efforts of parliamentarians across the political spectrum and the ongoing efforts made by the Australian Government, including the Prime Minister (Mr Abbott), the Minister for Foreign Affairs (Ms Bishop) and others, to make representations to the Egyptian Government to ensure that Mr Greste's case is dealt with justly, and in accordance with due process; and

(c) supports Mr Greste's bid to clear himself of the charges, and the Government's continuing efforts to make representations on his behalf.

Question agreed to.