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Thursday, 13 February 2014
Page: 356

Senator FIFIELD (Victoria—Manager of Government Business in the Senate and Assistant Minister for Social Services) (11:56): I seek leave to make a short statement.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute.

Senator FIFIELD: The Australian government is deeply concerned about the ongoing detention of Mr Peter» «Greste» by Egyptian authorities. Mr «Greste» was detained, along with his colleagues, during the normal course of his work as a journalist. The imposition by Egyptian authorities of restrictive measures against political opponents, the use of force against protestors and the targeting of the media is deeply troubling.

Journalists have an legitimate role to play in any democracy. That is particularly so at the moment. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has raised Mr Greste's case directly with Egypt's foreign minister and the Egyptian ambassador to Australia, and will continue to do so.

Australia's ambassador to Egypt has also raised concerns about Mr Greste's case with the ministry of justice and with the prosecutor general. Since his arrest, consular officials have met with Mr «Greste on many occasions. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has assured Mr Greste's family that the Australian government is committed to supporting him through his ordeal.

Question agreed to.