Foreign affairs minister tells Beijing the world looks to it for ‘responsible leadership’ on Ukraine. Follow live
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The home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, says the government is working to restore trust with the community on national security threats, warning the public will stop listening if the issue becomes a matter of partisan politics.
In a new interview with the Australian National University’s national security podcast, O’Neil said she felt “really troubled” that the previous government’s approach involved a “reflex willingness to politicise national security issues, and particularly to talk about China in a way that I felt was highly politicised”.
I really want people to understand politicisation of these issues is dangerous, it reduces the government’s ability to help protect Australians. And if I can pick one thing that will change under the new government in Australia, it is that we’re here for the national interest. And these things are too important to be toyed with, we can’t do anything that reduces government’s power to solve these problems with the population.
I will continue to assert that both parties [Australia and China] can grow our bilateral relationship while safeguarding our national interests if we both navigate our differences wisely. I was grateful for the opportunity to engage on important matters including trade, human rights and consular matters as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
I’ve previously said that the world does look to China for its responsible leadership when it comes to Ukraine, particularly given its closely relationship with Russia. I would note that President Zelenskiy himself has said he wants to believe that China will do the right thing and not supply weapons to Russia – and that is not only Australia’s call but the call of all countries.
Continue reading…Foreign affairs minister tells Beijing the world looks to it for ‘responsible leadership’ on Ukraine. Follow liveGet our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcastThe home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil, says the government is working to restore trust with the community on national security threats, warning the public will stop listening if the issue becomes a matter of partisan politics.In a new interview with the Australian National University’s national security podcast, O’Neil said she felt “really troubled” that the previous government’s approach involved a “reflex willingness to politicise national security issues, and particularly to talk about China in a way that I felt was highly politicised”.I really want people to understand politicisation of these issues is dangerous, it reduces the government’s ability to help protect Australians. And if I can pick one thing that will change under the new government in Australia, it is that we’re here for the national interest. And these things are too important to be toyed with, we can’t do anything that reduces government’s power to solve these problems with the population.I will continue to assert that both parties [Australia and China] can grow our bilateral relationship while safeguarding our national interests if we both navigate our differences wisely. I was grateful for the opportunity to engage on important matters including trade, human rights and consular matters as well as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.I’ve previously said that the world does look to China for its responsible leadership when it comes to Ukraine, particularly given its closely relationship with Russia. I would note that President Zelenskiy himself has said he wants to believe that China will do the right thing and not supply weapons to Russia – and that is not only Australia’s call but the call of all countries. Continue reading…