Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, my question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Farrell. On 18 November, the defence minister released a statement regarding a 14 November incident in which a Chinese People's Liberation Army naval vessel engaged in actions that injured Australian defence personnel from the HMAS Toowoomba whilst it was operating in international waters—indeed, in waters within the Japanese economic zone. On what date was the Prime Minister, Mr Albanese, informed of the Chinese People's Liberation Army naval vessel's actions?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Birmingham, for that question. I am aware of the statement by the Deputy Prime Minister in respect of the events in relation to HMAS Toowoomba. I am not aware of the date that the Prime Minister was advised about the matter. I'm assuming—I'm trying to think back over the period of time—it would have been when he was at the APEC meeting in the United States, which I also attended. But I would have to seek some advice on that, Senator Birmingham, and come back to you with a response.

As you say, the Deputy Prime Minister made a statement. He did express the Australian government's serious concerns to the Chinese government following what we believe to be an unsafe and unprofessional interaction with the People's Liberation Army destroyer. That was on 14 November 2023. HMAS Toowoomba was in international waters, inside Japan's exclusive economic zone en route to commence a scheduled port visit. But as to the specifics of your question, I would have to seek further advice on that.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, a first supplementary.

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Farrell for taking that on notice. On 18 November, the Prime Minister confirmed publicly in a press conference that he had met with President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit and that the discussions at the APEC summit had included topics such as the relationship between the two countries, trade sanctions imposed by China and a potential visit next year by Chinese Premier Li to Australia. Given the Prime Minister's willingness to identify these topics of discussion, did the Prime Minister raise with President Xi Australia's concerns about the actions of the Chinese naval vessel? (Time expired)

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Birmingham for his first supplementary question. In his original question he referred to the very clear statement made by the Deputy Prime Minister about what he had said in respect of this particular event. My understanding is that the Australian government raised this issue and our concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional interaction with the People's Liberation Army through all of the appropriate channels. I think the Prime Minister himself has made it clear that there were no formal bilaterals with President Xi. (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, a second supplementary?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, why won't Mr Albanese or the government be transparent with the Australian people about the Prime Minister's handling of this matter, his failure to confirm whether or not he personally stood up for Australia's interests and confirm whether or not he did so? Mr Albanese was happy to list a number of topics he discussed with President Xi. Why won't he be upfront about whether or not he raised this one? Is it simply because he did not raise it?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Birmingham, for your second supplementary question.

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I don't think we'll take advice from you.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll pick up Senator Polley's interjection. We're not going to take advice from the opposition about either transparency or how we deal with foreign governments. You've only got to look at the absolute mess that our foreign policy was left in after the years of the Morrison government. The truth of this matter is that we have raised our concerns, starting with the comments of the Deputy Prime Minister about what happened at this event. We've raised our concerns through every channel that is appropriate in these circumstances.