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Thursday, 23 June 2011
Page: 3684

Senator BOB BROWN (Tasmania—Leader of the Australian Greens) (12:40): I move:

That the following matters be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 19 September 2011:

   (a)   the effectiveness of the Australian Government's response to Australian citizens who are kidnapped and held for ransom overseas, including but not limited to the response of the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the consular assistance in the relevant country;

   (b)   how the Australian Government's response in these situations compares to the approach taken by other countries;

   (c)   measures that could be taken by the Australian Government to improve the handling of its assistance to Australian citizens and their families; and

   (d)   any other related matter.

Question agreed to.