Doorstop, Parliament House

Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Late yesterday, we saw that the International Civil Aviation Organisation has found Russia responsible for the downing of MH17. This is a demonstration of international law, of responsibility in this horrible act – the downing of a civilian aircraft – Russia has been found to be responsible and the 298 people who lost their lives on that day, who were killed by this action, including 38 who called Australia home. I send my continued sympathy and condolences to their loved ones. This is a meaningful and important decision, and we will continue to advocate for justice and for reparation. This is an important decision, but it doesn’t end here, because we will keep fighting for justice. I want to acknowledge the work, particularly of Julie Bishop, as well as Marise Payne, in the continued fight for justice for MH17 victims. In addition, today I’ll be travelling with the Prime Minister to Indonesia. Indonesia was the first Prime Ministerial visit of the last term, and it’s the first Prime Ministerial bilateral visit of this term. That demonstrates the importance Indonesia has for Australia. Indonesia is central to our region. It is central to Australia’s security and stability, and we will continue to do what we did last term, which is to work to strengthen the relationship. Happy to take questions.

Journalist: Some have accused the trip of being symbolic, what do you say to that? And how important is this trip, considering what we’ve seen with Russia trying to muscle in on the region?

Foreign Minister: Well respect matters. Respect matters to everybody, and it certainly matters in Southeast Asia. And so, yes it is a respectful thing to do for the Australian Prime Minister to go to Jakarta, because Indonesia matters to us, and we will continue to ensure that we work to strengthen the relationship. In terms of the relationship with Russia, Indonesia has historically had a relationship with Russia for decades, for decades. We know that, and that exists. What we have to do is focus on what we can do in the relationship. And we’ve done that. We’ve strengthened our engagement – people to people, our personal engagement – the Prime Minister’s engagement, my engagement, Deputy Prime Minister Marles’ engagement. We’re increasing our economic engagement, and importantly, we have signed the first defence agreement with Indonesia that an Australian Government has ever had. That matters.

Journalist: Another Australian appears to have been killed in Ukraine. The message has been consistent, do not travel. Does there need to be any change in trying to convince Australians not to make that dangerous journey?

Foreign Minister: I’ve made it very clear that we all support Ukraine in their defence of their country. We all condemn Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion, but it is not for Australians to travel to Ukraine to fight.

Journalist: Do you think that the situation in Ukraine, that any sort of resolution is closer or further away now?

Foreign Minister: We all want to see an end to this war on terms that Ukrainians agree to. We want to see Ukraine end this war on its terms. Let’s remember again what Russia did. It invaded another country in flagrant violation of international law, and it’s a member of the Security Council – a permanent member. Now, who would have envisaged, at the end of World War Two, when the United Nations were set up and the Security Council was established to provide security for the globe, that a permanent member of the Security Council would so violate international law?

Journalist: Indonesia is the first stop. Then there’s Rome. Who are you hoping to secure some conversations with on the side during that visit?

Foreign Minister: I won’t be joining the Prime Minister for the visit to Rome. I will obviously be accompanying him in his visit to Indonesia today. I have had a lot of contact and discussions with Foreign Minister Sugiono, and I will continue to do that.

Journalist: Thank you.