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Maldives questions tabled in Australian federal parliament

Maldives Culture report - 23 June 2004 - www.maldivesculture.com

Kevin Rudd

Bob McMullan

Questions about Maldives relationship with Australia were tabled today in the Australian Federal Parliament in Canberra, after representations raising concerns about human rights and political freedom in Maldives to two opposition Labour party members of the House of Representatives, shadow finance minister Bob McMullan and shadow foreign minister Kevin Rudd.

The questions focus on Australia's aid, business and defence links with Maldives:

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MR RUDD:
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs —

(1) When did he last meet with representatives of the government of the Republic of Maldives and what topics were discussed.

(2) When did officials of his department last meet with representatives of the government of the Republic of Maldives and what topics were discussed.

(3) What assessment has his department made of the human rights situation in the Republic of Maldives.

(4) What (a) bilateral treaties, (b) agreements, and (c) protocols are current between the Australia and the Republic of Maldives.

(5) How many Australian citizens visited the Republic of Maldives during 2003 on (a) official business, (b) commercial missions, and (c) privately.

(6) What is the value of trade between Australia and the Republic of Maldives.

(7) What is the total value of Australian aid provided to the Republic of Maldives and how is it distributed.

(8) How many AusAid scholarships have been awarded to Maldive nationals and what is the total value of these scholarships.

(9) Can he explain the extent of the current relationships, training programs and other links, between the Australian Defence Forces and Australia’s police forces and the Republic of Maldives’ National Security Service.

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MR RUDD:
To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs —

(1) How many applications for asylum have been received from citizens of the Republic of Maldives and how many were approved.

(2) How many citizens of the Republic of Maldives are living in Australia.

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MR RUDD:
To ask the Minister representing the Minister for Defence —

What contact is there and has there been previously between the Maldives National Security Service and the Australian Defence Force.

source:
THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
NOTICE PAPER No. 182
WEDNESDAY, 23 JUNE 2004