Labor is deeply concerned by Beijings decision to impose national security legislation in Hong Kong.
We welcome the Governments joint statement with the US, UK and Canada on this issue.
The decision to ignore Hong Kongs legislative authority diminishes Hong Kongs autonomy and democratic freedoms guaranteed under Article 23 of the Basic Law.
This directly undermines the One Country, Two Systems arrangement to which Beijing is legally bound under the UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration.
The proposed legislation is inconsistent with existing commitments to protect the rights of Hong Kong people as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
Hong Kong holds a special place for many Australians as a city of vibrant culture, commerce and civic freedoms. The people of Hong Kong have shown immense courage in working to uphold the freedoms that have enabled this prosperity and stability.
Beijings actions risk this stability and erode trust at a time when countries should be working together to end the pandemic.
The Chinese government must honour its commitment to the people of Hong Kong and the international community to uphold the city's rights and freedoms.
Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.