Mr Danby asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 3 June 2004:

(1) Can he confirm whether Mr Magnus Johansson, an Australian resident, was killed in the attack by al Qaida in Khobar, Saudi Arabia.

(2) Can he confirm that the Khobar terrorists went from room to room killing foreigners who were not Muslims; if so, how many people were killed.

(3) Is he able to say whether Mr Johansson was killed by the terrorists or in the shootout with Saudi Arabian troops during the rescue.

(4) Can he confirm reports that three of the four terrorists were deliberately released by Saudi security forces.

(5) Is he aware of instances in which Saudi security forces have released suspected terrorists.

(6) Is he able to say how many suspected terrorists or people who support or fund terrorism have been (a) arrested, (b) charged, and (c) convicted of terrorism offences in Saudi Arabia.

(7) Does the Government share the view of other western governments that the government of Saudi Arabia has not taken sufficient action against terrorists operating in Saudi Arabia; if so, is he able to say whether (a) Saudi Arabia currently supports terrorism or terrorist organisations, (b) Saudi Arabia currently harbours terrorists or terrorist organisations, (c) Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministery has repeatedly failed to take action against al-Qaida terrorists operating in Saudi Arabia, and (d) what actions the government of Saudi Arabia has taken against Islamic charities which fund terrorist groups.

(8) Has the Government made any representations to the government of Saudi Arabia about its actions in relation to (a) the terrorist attacks in Khobar, (b) the release of three suspected perpetrators of the attacks in Khobar, and (c) its failure to crack down on terrorists in Saudi Arabia or any other aspect of terrorism against westerners in Saudi Arabia; if so, (i) by whom, (ii) to whom, and (iii) what was the response; if not, why not.

Mr Downer (Minister for Foreign Affairs) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows :

(1) Yes.

(2) Reports indicate that 22 people were killed, including both Muslims and non-Muslims.

(3) Reports indicate that Mr Johansson was killed by the terrorists.

(4) No.

(5) No.

(6) No, although according to the United States State Department, Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested more than 600 individuals since the May 2003 attacks in Riyadh.

(7) No.

(8) No.