Labor warmly welcomes Cambodias decision to approveJames Ricketson's petition for pardon.
We were deeply concerned by his conviction and the severity of his sentence, and by the effect this would have on Mr Ricketsons wellbeing and health.
Labor joins with the Foreign Minister in thanking her counterpart, Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, for the decision to promptly and positively deal with Mr Ricketsons petition.
Throughout Mr Ricketsons detention, Labor has raised his case with the Government and we joined with the Government in supporting his plea for clemency on humanitarian grounds.
Labors approach in this matter, as in all consular matters, has been to focus on the wellbeing of the person concerned - in this case Mr Ricketson - and not to make any public comment that might impacthis chances of release.
Authorised by Noah Carroll, ALP, Canberra.