The Chinese Government’s passage of national security legislation for Hong Kong undermines the One Country, Two Systems arrangement to which Beijing has committed under the UN-registered Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The decision to ignore Hong Kong’s legislative authority diminishes the autonomy and democratic freedoms guaranteed under Article 23 of the Basic Law.

We call on the Morrison Government to make these concerns clear to the Chinese Government.

China’s commitment to the people of Hong Kong and the international community to uphold the city's rights and freedoms should be honoured.

Labor also calls on the Chinese authorities to be transparent about the details of the legislation and to explain its impact on the rights of the people of Hong Kong - as set out in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

We again note the United Kingdom's reported request for Australia to consider assistance for British National Overseas passport holders in Hong Kong.

The UK has a special relationship with Hong Kong, and this approach to Australia from the United Kingdom should not come as a surprise to the Morrison Government.

The Morrison Government should make it clear to Hongkongers how existing visa arrangements can be used to respond to any emerging needs, and how Australia’s current border closures would be managed in this situation.

Labor expects the Government to act with compassion and work closely with likeminded countries to demonstrate Australia's support for the people of Hong Kong.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.