Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne. During a Senate inquiry into issues affecting diaspora communities in Australia, Senator Abetz demanded that Australians of Chinese heritage 'unconditionally condemn the Chinese Communist Party dictatorship'. Does the minister support Senator Abetz's treatment of Australians of Chinese heritage?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Ayres for his question. This matter was discussed in the estimates hearing, as Senator Ayres said. I made clear my views at the time. The pledge that this government believes people should make in Australia is to Australia. That is a clear and consistent position taken by both the Prime Minister, members of the cabinet and members of the government. In terms of the comments that Senator Ayres has referred to, I have also indicated that Australia is the bastion of robust democracy, on any interpretation. There will be views expressed with which people agree and disagree, but, most importantly, I will defend the right of people to talk about issues that are matters of concern and interest to them—across the parliament. And anyone who tries to pretend that this is only an issue apparently for one side of the parliament is either delusional or deceptive.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ayres, a supplementary question?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has outlined the ways in which Australia's national interest is undermined by statements that can be used to portray Australia as intolerant, divided and discriminatory to various groups within our society. Does the minister think Senator Abetz's comments could be used to portray Australia as intolerant, divided and discriminatory and therefore undermine our national interest?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I encourage all Australians to make contributions to public discourse that contribute to cohesion, that contribute to the broad participation of all elements of the Australian community, including the diasporas that are so richly represented in this country and on both sides of politics.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ayres, a final supplementary question?

Tim Ayres (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why on earth has the government refused to condemn Senator Abetz's conduct, which is divisive at home and damaging internationally?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My views were carefully put on the record and clearly put on the record in Senate estimates. I have reiterated them here now. I wish that those opposite would in fact endeavour at some stage, somewhere, sometime to make a constructive contribution to this discussion.