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

BRENDAN O’CONNOR MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
MEMBER FOR GORTON

Labor supports the suspension of Australia’s defence cooperation program with Myanmar, and the redirection of humanitarian aid.

It is more than one month since Labor first called on the Morrison Government to review Australia’s military program with Myanmar following a direct attack on their democracy with the Myanmar military’s seizure of power.

In that time we’ve seen an escalation in violence and repression.

It has been clear since this coup took place that Australia’s defence cooperation program with Myanmar was inappropriate given the deplorable military violence against civilians.

Labor has consistently condemned this violence against protesters in Myanmar, in which at least 50 people have died.

It should not have taken this long for the Morrison Government to show opposition to the violent actions of the Tatmadaw, and oppose the coup.

Australia needs to work with allied and aligned nations, including in our region, to send the strong message that democracy must be returned to Myanmar.

Authorised by Paul Erickson, ALP, Canberra.