I welcome the Foreign Minister’s decision to consider seeking recompense for the extensive consular support provided by the Australian Government to those that deliberately set out to flout the laws of other countries, including Mr Russell following his arrest in Russia.
It is my understanding that Mr Russell’s actions have cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars in extensive travel expenses for consular officials and in diverting time and resources from the regular duties of the Australian Embassy in Russia and the Department of Foreign Affairs in Australia.
Although Mr Russell gleefully claims he has no regrets while potentially breaking the law of another country, Australian taxpayers should not foot the bill for his antics.
Greenpeace has an extensive track record of flouting the law in Australia and abroad. Clearly the rule of law does not concern this organisation; maybe having to fund the consequences of their actions will force them to reconsider their actions.
I call on Greenpeace to publically apologise to taxpayers and to denounce its actions to ensure young Australians are not in any way inspired by Mr Russell’s lack of judgement.
Brett Whiteley MP Federal Member for Braddon
