SENATOR PENNY WONG
LEADER OF THE AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY IN THE SENATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

SENATOR DON FARRELL
SHADOW SPECIAL MINISTER OF STATE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SPORT AND TOURISM
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
LABOR SENATOR FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Labor supports the decision not to send officials and dignitaries to the Beijing Winter Olympics in February.

We hold deep concerns about ongoing human rights abuses in China, including towards Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities, and about athlete safety given questions about the treatment of tennis player Peng Shuai.

This decision, alongside other countries’ diplomatic boycotts, sends a strong signal that these are not the behaviours of a responsible global power.

Our athletes have trained hard for years towards this opportunity and didn’t choose where the Winter Olympics are being held. It is appropriate that they are not the ones asked to make a sacrifice. We support them taking their chance to represent Australia on the international sporting stage.

The Australian Government must ensure our team is supported by Embassy staff on the ground.

We will all be cheering them on from home.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.