Doorstop Perth

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Thanks very much. And look, it has been great to be here in Perth and really great to do this event today. I want to say that one of the great things about coming to Western Australia is that people here understand how important the region is. You're an economy that is so deeply engaged with your region, you understand the importance of not just the economic engagement, but also the foreign policy and diplomatic engagement. That's something, whether it's business people or people I've talked to as I'm walking around the streets of Perth, Western Australians really understand. As Foreign Minister, I've been very clear our priority is the region, relationships and rules, and so much of our work has been focused on that, something very much in the same vein as the way Western Australia deals with our region. Happy to take questions.

Journalist: What information can you share about the situation with Kevin Yam?

Foreign Minister: I can say to you what I said in there, that the Australian Government does not accept other governments interfering with our citizens, making anybody feel unsafe. We expect our citizens to be respected, and we stand firm against any foreign interference, and against any infringement of our sovereignty. We will make, and have been making, appropriate representations since this was alerted to us. What I would say also, is that there is a National Security Hotline, people who feel that they have been under at risk in any way or feel threatened or nervous, they can speak to someone, and the appropriate authorities can respond.

Journalist: You've described that letter as deeply worrying. Who has contacted the Chinese –

Foreign Minister: Sorry, same question?

Journalist: Same question, sorry. You've described it as deeply worrying. Who has contacted the Chinese government to register concerns?

Foreign Minister: Those representations are being made in the usual way through the diplomatic arrangements.

Journalist: Is he someone that you're aware of in terms of his stance?

Foreign Minister: Yes I am, I've met with Kevin.

Journalist: Do you believe this apparent campaign of intimidation has been directed at Hong Kong?

Foreign Minister: At Hong Kong?

Journalist: From Hong Kong?

Foreign Minister: From Hong Kong. Well, I'll await whatever investigations come to light but I have made my view about Australians being targeted by the Hong Kong authorities very clear to both Hong Kong and to China.

Journalist: There have been reports about Australian university researchers being asked to complete a questionnaire to gauge how their activities comply with the Trump administration's domestic and foreign political agenda. How much of a concern is that for you regarding potential interference?

Foreign Minister: Well, first, I'd say Minister Clare has been engaging with the universities about these issues. Second point I'd make is that we would say to the Trump administration that there has been very beneficial and collaborative research between Australia and the United States, and we would want that to continue.

Journalist: You've spoken there about the need to diversify export markets. Is it something that maybe Australian universities need to consider in terms of looking elsewhere for funding? Obviously, a lot of them are quite heavily reliant on the US for funding, are we going to need to look further abroad?

Foreign Minister: Diversification is an element of resilience, and if your markets are more diversified, then you're obviously more resilient against any changes that might arise. So of course, we would want to make sure that all markets are as diversified as they can be. I've said that since before we were elected, I've made the point that, you know, don't put all your eggs in one market.

Journalist: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will be talking about Ukraine, the Ukraine peace plan again?

Foreign Minister: We want a just peace in Ukraine that reflects Ukraine's interests as well as the interests of peace and we've made that clear,

Journalist: And can I just ask, is Australia preparing that Trump might hit Australian agricultural exports?

Foreign Minister: I think I've responded to that already in there.

Journalist: Just one, have you spoken to Kevin Yam recently about this situation?

Foreign Minister: Not in the last 24 hours, but I certainly will be reaching out again. I've had quite a lot of contact. I've had contact with him and with others in similar situations.

Journalist: What did you make of Dutton's referendum proposal?

Foreign Minister: I've responded to that in there, but what I would say is a referendum is what you propose when you've had no costed, coherent, credible economic policies for three years.