NAOMI WOODLEY: Penny Wong, the Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop says the Government is working to make sure Australians still have the same access to the United States as they have previously, and the Prime Minister says they have not been asked for consular assistance from anyone. What more can the Government do?
SENATOR PENNY WONG, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE: I am concerned about a number of things. The first thing I am concerned with is obviously the policy that President Trumps Administration has implemented. I am also deeply concerned about the implementation of this, particularly as it affects Australian nationals who may well be dual nationals.
I have written to the Foreign Minister today, asking her what representations have been made. I note that Canadas Justin Trudeau has indicated that certain assurances have been given in respect of Canadian dual nationals and wed be looking for the Government to take a proactive approach on this to get similar assurances for Australian dual nationals.
WOODLEY: The Prime Minister says if and when the Government needs to raise such an issue with the US Administration it would do so privately and frankly. What is wrong with that approach?
WONG: I saw the Prime Ministers press conference today and what we saw was a man who was desperate to not say anything. Lets be clear, Australians across our great country have spoken out with concern about what is occurring in the United States. Labor disagrees with this policy. We have a very strong view that you dont ban people based on their origin or race or religion. Weve had a non-discriminatory immigration policy in this country for 40 years and our values on that are clear. Its disappointing that Prime Minister Turnbull feels so scared about standing up for what he believes in.
WOODLEY: But as the leader of a country, as opposed to a citizen who can exercise their right to protest, why isnt it reasonable for Malcolm Turnbull to say Im not going to comment on the domestic policy of another country?
WONG: Weve seen conservative politicians around the world from New Zealand, Bill English, weve seen Theresa May, Conservative Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, weve seen Angela Merkel from Germany all be prepared to say what they think about this policy. And, of course, weve made this point, there are matters which go only to domestic policy but this is a matter I think which does have global implications, as has been clear from the discussion worldwide since the executive order was issued.
WOODLEY: The Treasurer Scott Morrison and indeed the Prime Minister in his press conference have both said that this is Donald Trump implementing his election policies as the Coalition did with its border protection policies following the 2013 election. Doesnt an elected government have the right to do what it said it was going to do?
WONG: An elected government does have the right to do what it said it was going to do, and an elected Australian Government has the right to stand up for Australian interests and Australian values. I think Australia has had a bipartisan position of a non-discriminatory immigration policy and the Prime Minister should find the courage to stand up for that principle.
WOODLEY: You are on your way to the United States as part of a bipartisan intelligence and security delegation. What is the purpose of this trip?
WONG: This is, as you said, a delegation from the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. Its a committee Ive been on for a number of years. Its obviously had to deal with some very difficult pieces of legislation which are all about focussing on how we make Australian safe. Im looking forward to this visit with other members of the committee to engage with members of the US Intelligence community, elected and non-elected members, and to get their insight into how we best ensure that our citizens are safe.
WOODLEY: Are you expecting a discernible change in the attitudes of the people that you are going to meet or their view of the US relationship with Australia?
WONG: All I can say is that the Alliance with the United States remains a central pillar of Australias foreign policy and thats a bipartisan position, has been for decades, and it will continue in the decades ahead.