2 years ago
DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION AT BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS
SENATOR THE HON PENNY WONG
Labor supports the decision not to send officials and dignitaries to the Beijing Winter Olympics in February.
We hold deep concerns about ongoing human rights abuses in China, including towards Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities, and about athlete safety given questions about the treatment of tennis player Peng Shuai.
This decision, alongside other countries’ diplomatic boycotts, sends a strong signal that these are not the behaviours of a responsible global power.
Our athletes have trained hard for years towards this opportunity and didn’t choose where the Winter Olympics are being held. It is appropriate that they are not the ones asked to make a sacrifice. We support them taking their chance to represent Australia on the international sporting stage.
The Australian Government must ensure our team is supported by Embassy staff on the ground.
We will all be cheering them on from home.
We hold deep concerns about ongoing human rights abuses in China, including towards Uyghurs and other ethnic and religious minorities, and about athlete safety given questions about the treatment of tennis player Peng Shuai.
This decision, alongside other countries’ diplomatic boycotts, sends a strong signal that these are not the behaviours of a responsible global power.
Our athletes have trained hard for years towards this opportunity and didn’t choose where the Winter Olympics are being held. It is appropriate that they are not the ones asked to make a sacrifice. We support them taking their chance to represent Australia on the international sporting stage.
The Australian Government must ensure our team is supported by Embassy staff on the ground.
We will all be cheering them on from home.