❓ Dr. Walker questions the Premier regarding assurances that US ships based in WA under AUKUS will adhere to international law and whether WA will prosecute illegal actions. The Premier deflects responsibility to the Commonwealth government.
AnsweredQoN 989Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
AUKUS—International law—Compliance
989. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
Noting that it is
Remembrance Day, and in the hope that global peace is more than just a
pipedream, I refer the Premier to the recent US attacks on foreign-flagged
vessels in international waters and the resultant extrajudicial murder of an
increasing number of civilians on the orders of the United States
administration.
(1) Has the Cook Labor government received any
assurances from the Albanese Labor government that US ships based in WA waters
as part of the AUKUS partnership will be required to adhere to the norms of
international law, or could they conceivably be ordered to attack foreign
vessels at will?
(2) Will the Premier state publicly, here and now,
that any such action on the part of US troops or vessels based here in WA would
be prosecuted to the full extent of WA and Commonwealth law and, if not, will
he and his Attorney General take responsibility for any such actions
themselves?
989. Hon Dr Brian Walker to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
Noting that it is
Remembrance Day, and in the hope that global peace is more than just a
pipedream, I refer the Premier to the recent US attacks on foreign-flagged
vessels in international waters and the resultant extrajudicial murder of an
increasing number of civilians on the orders of the United States
administration.
(1) Has the Cook Labor government received any
assurances from the Albanese Labor government that US ships based in WA waters
as part of the AUKUS partnership will be required to adhere to the norms of
international law, or could they conceivably be ordered to attack foreign
vessels at will?
(2) Will the Premier state publicly, here and now,
that any such action on the part of US troops or vessels based here in WA would
be prosecuted to the full extent of WA and Commonwealth law and, if not, will
he and his Attorney General take responsibility for any such actions
themselves?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the
honourable member for some notice of the question. This answer is provided on
behalf of the Premier.
(1)–(2) Defence, national security and the
United States bilateral relationship are the responsibility of the Australian
Government. The Western Australian Government continues to engage closely with
the Australian Government on these matters. The Western Australian Government
notes foreign warships have visited Western Australia for several decades.
honourable member for some notice of the question. This answer is provided on
behalf of the Premier.
(1)–(2) Defence, national security and the
United States bilateral relationship are the responsibility of the Australian
Government. The Western Australian Government continues to engage closely with
the Australian Government on these matters. The Western Australian Government
notes foreign warships have visited Western Australia for several decades.
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