Notice given 20 December 2011

1499  Senator Kroger: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs—

(1) Since 3 December 2007, when Mr Rudd was Prime Minister or later as Foreign Minister:

(a) how many times did he visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in total;

(b) what meetings has he had with Sunland Group Limited or its representatives in either the UAE or Australia;

(c) has he ever received free accommodation or hospitality at any property owned or controlled by the Sunland Group Limited in either Australia or the UAE;

(d) what representations have been made by him to any of the ruling families of the UAE, its Government or to individual Emirates, on behalf of Sunland Group Limited or its related entities;

(e) has he attended any meetings with any:

(i) members or representatives of the Al-Qasimi royal family with Soheil Abedian also in attendance,

(ii) members or representatives of the Al Maktoum Royal Family with Soheil Abedian also in attendance at such meeting,

(iii) members or representatives of the Al Nahyan Royal Family with Soheil Abedian also in attendance at such meeting,

(iv) members of the Gulf Australia Business Council with Soheil Abedian or Sahba Abedian also in attendance, and

(v) consular staff of the UAE Embassy in Australia with either Soheil Abedian or Sahba Abedian in attendance; and

(f) has he ever requested Soheil Abedian or Sahba Abedian to make representations on behalf of himself or the Australian Government in respect of the UAE vote for Australia’s United Nations Security Council seat bid; if so, what was the nature of these representations.

(2) What representations has the Minister personally made on behalf of Australia to the UAE in respect of the interests of Matthew Joyce and Marcus Lee.

(3) Is the Minister aware of evidence given in an open court, under oath, in the Victorian Supreme Court hearing of Sunland Waterfront (BVI) and Others v. Prudentia Investments Pty Ltd and Others which shows clearly that Matthew Joyce, Marcus Lee and their co-accused are the innocent victims of a false complaint.

(4) Has the Minister brought recent developments in the Victorian Supreme Court hearing of Sunland Waterfront (BVI) and Others v. Prudentia Investments Pty Ltd and Others to the attention of relevant authorities in the UAE; if not, when will he do so.