JOURNALIST: Whats your response to this latest threat from North Korea?
WONG: This is just the sort of escalatory, irresponsible language we have come to expect from North Korea. It reminds us yet again that the regime remains the greatest risk to stability and peace in our region.
JOURNALIST: This isnt the first time Australia has been targetted by these sorts of threats. Why do you think we are close to the top of their list?
WONG: I think we need to be clear that North Korea is a risk to the whole region. We also need to be clear that this is just the latest example of irresponsible and escalatory language from a regime which continues a program in defiance of international law.
JOURNALIST: Does Australia need to take a step back from our alliances here? To not involve ourselves in this further?
WONG: We stand with the Government, we stand with the comments made by the Foreign Minister who urged a peaceful diplomatic solution, who urged the entire international community to stand together against this threat. That is the right position and it is a position that Labor continues to support.
JOURNALIST: Is it important to stand up to these threats or to respond in a calm fashion?
WONG: Its very important that we continue to stand with the international community, that we continue to seek a unified approach and a peaceful diplomatic solution. It is not the time for escalatory language and the Opposition supports the comments that the Foreign Minister made in her recent visit to the Korean Peninsula where she sought a diplomatic and peaceful solution to this crisis.
JOURNALIST: Dan Tehan came out today and said Australia wont be cowered by these threats. Is that inflammatory at all?
WONG: We can never indicate to North Korea on any occasion that this sort of irresponsible and escalatory language from them has an effect. What we do need to do is respond calmly and soberly and stand with the international community resolutely against this risk - a regime which presents the greatest risk to the whole of the region.