The lease for the Russian Federation’s proposed second embassy right adjacent to Parliament House will be terminated by the federal government.
The measure is expected to pass the House of Representatives and the Senate this morning, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“The government has received very clear security advice as to the risk presented by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House,” stated Albanese.
Through its embassy in Griffith, Russia will continue to maintain a diplomatic presence in Australia.
Albanese stated, “We are moving rapidly to make sure the leasing location does not turn into an official diplomatic presence.
To be clear, today’s decision was made with Australia’s national security in mind.
According to Albanese, a Russian response to the lease’s termination had been “anticipated”.
Given their blatant disregard for international law demonstrated by their invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing crimes, he stated, “We don’t expect that Russia is in a position to talk about international law.”
The disputed parcel of land, which is right next to Parliament House, won’t be included in any diplomatic lease, according to Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil, but its intended purpose is still up in the air.
