Senator BROWN —My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. On the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I want to ask about West Papua, Irian Jaya, again. What further information does the government have on the massacre of an estimated 150 West Papuans on 6 July this year after they raised the Morning Star, the freedom flag, on the wharf in Biak? In particular, is there any follow-up information about the plight of Dr Philip Karma, who has been reportedly shot in the elbows and legs and carted off to gaol to face a life sentence? Is the minister aware that today the traditional council of the Amungme people, meeting near the Freeport mine, have called for the United Nations to reopen the case of the plight of West Papua? Can the minister say whether Australia would be amenable to a new discussion of West Papua in the United Nations and, indeed, to reviewing its own policy? (Time expired)

Senator HILL (Environment and Heritage) —I have just checked the briefing notes that I have been provided with and there does not seem to be anything further than that which I had previously advised Senator Brown of. I have read some material to suggest that the earlier estimates of violence were overstated, but nevertheless any level of violence, particularly if there are deaths concerned, is totally unsatisfactory.

The approach of the Australian government has been to support in whatever practical ways it can the process of change that is occurring in Indonesia at the moment. There are a number of ways in which we can be supportive in such a practical way. Basically, we can encourage the forces—particularly the military forces, but other security forces as well—to respect the human rights of all individuals who are under their coverage. We can also provide aid and assistance to try to help them through the time of very severe economic stress, which is no doubt contributing to the difficulties as well. We think this is the best way in which we can be of assistance. I know of no suggestion of any change to the foreign policy of Australia in relation to Irian Jaya.

Senator BROWN —Madam President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister for his answer, but I draw his attention to the fact there are many political prisoners in West Papuan gaols for supporting the call for independence of West Papua. What further investigations will the Australian government be taking into the plight of those prisoners and their civil rights, and indeed the need for them to be brought to a speedy, open and fair trial? Secondly, again, will the minister put to the foreign minister that Australia should be reopening the question of a debate in the United Nations about the rights and the aspirations for freedom of the West Papuan people?

Senator HILL (Environment and Heritage) —I do not think the latter will occur, because it is inconsistent with longstanding Australian government policy. In relation to the former, we are obviously concerned about continued imprisonment of political prisoners. There were some releases after the new presidency in Indonesia, but there are still many political prisoners. We are working, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to see their early release and, in accordance with the international declaration, to see that those who are being held be brought to speedy and fair trial. That has also been a longstanding position of the Australian government, and we will continue to press the issue.