(1) Does he continue to stand by the Government's policy of “constructive engagement” with the Burmese regime, including the ongoing program of `human rights training' in Burma.

(2) Can he explain what the key performance indicators are for the Government's policy of “constructive engagement” with the Burmese regime.

(3) Is he aware that on 16 June 2003 the European Union expanded its sanctions against the Burmese regime, including expanding the list of individuals to be subjected to a visa ban and assets freeze.

(4) Is he aware that the European Union also decided to strip Burma of its trade privileges.

(5) Is he aware that Japan has indicated that it will cut off aid to Burma or reconsider its policy of engagement unless Aung San Suu Kyi is quickly released.

(6) Can he advise whether there is to be a review of the Government's “constructive engagement” policy with the Burmese regime.

(7) Can he advise whether or not he is considering implementing sanctions against the Burmese regime.

(1) The Government's approach to relations with Burma is grounded in an assessment of the national interest, and takes into account Burma's location in the South-East Asian region and its membership of the Association of South-East Asian Nations; Burma's role as a major source of illegal drugs entering Australia; the serious humanitarian problems affecting Burma's population, in particular vulnerable groups such as women and children; and the lack of respect for human rights in Burma. We will continue to use all opportunities to call for progress in political reconciliation, democratic reform and greater respect for human rights. Activities under the Government's Human Rights Initiative have been deferred; nevertheless, we will continue to seek opportunities to promote awareness, and observance, of internationally-respected human rights standards in Burma. We will continue to provide assistance aimed at alleviating the humanitarian situation in Burma.

(2) Along with other members of the international community, Australia wishes to see a Burma which is stable, democratic and prosperous, where human rights are respected. As I have said publicly, over recent years no single approach appears to have succeeded in promoting this objective.

(3) Yes.

(4) Yes.

(5) Japan decided not to undertake new assistance projects to Burma as a response to Aung San Suu Kyi's detention.

(6) The Government monitors and assesses policy settings on an ongoing basis.

(7) The Government considers that sanctions against Burma would be ineffective. Australia's trade and investment with Burma is extremely limited. Our share of Burma's total exports is four tenths of one percent. The US and EU have sanctions, but these have achieved nothing. Since 1998, Australia has had in place a ban on defence exports to Burma and travel restrictions on senior SPDC figures. These remain in place.