Exiting the stage

25 January 2025   Today’s reshuffle of the shadow ministry concludes my time as Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.   It has been an honour to lead my Liberal and National Senate colleagues in both government and opposition since 2020.   I again thank them for their…

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Reopening embassy ends embarressment

The Coalition welcomes the long overdue commitment by the Albanese Government to belatedly reopen Australia’s embassy in Kyiv.   For two years the Coalition has questioned why Australia’s embassy had remained closed when more than 70 other countries had already reopened theirs, including Canada with whom Australia shares the same embassy building.   In August…

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Human Rights Day

On 10 December 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Since then the world has recognised this historic pledge with Human Rights Day.   Human Rights Day holds particular significance at a time when conflict and political instability is occurring across the globe. It serves to remind us all…

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Treaty with Nauru

Joint media release: The Hon Michael McCormack, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific Today’s announcement of a new security agreement between Australia and Nauru is a potentially important step in the ongoing effort to ensure stability and security in the Pacific. While we welcome any measures to secure a free, open, and peaceful…

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Albanese Government abandons key allies at UN

Joint media release: Senator Claire Chandler, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs   Once again, the Albanese Labor Government has put Australia at odds with our closest ally, the United States, and abandoned a key democratic ally in Israel.   Overnight, Labor has changed longstanding Australians positions at the United Nations in votes that will…

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Sentencing of Australian Gordon Ng

The sentence imposed today against pro-democracy advocates, including Australian, Gordon Ng in Hong Kong, is appalling and unacceptable.   These sentences, following the guilty verdicts handed down in May 2024, serve as another stark reminder of the Chinese Government’s continued attacks on freedoms and rights in Hong Kong.   The Albanese Government has the Coalition’s…

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1000 days for Ukraine

For 1000 days Ukraine has held strong in the face of the Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion. The Ukrainian people have endured this abhorrent attack with unmistakeable courage and unmatched resilience. The toll of this abhorrent war waged by Russia has been devastating for Ukraine and its people. Today, we remember and commemorate the brave…

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Australian Passport Office taking taxpayers for a ride

The report released by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) on the procurement practices of the Australian Passport Office has revealed unethical and grave misuse of taxpayer’s money. The Australian Passport Office (APO) is meant to provide Australians with an official government document and adhere to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules to administer this service. The…

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