Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:19): I thank Senator Shoebridge for his question. I'd make a few points about Mr Assange. I understand that there is strong interest in the case, that there is a depth of community sentiment, and we have made clear publicly, before the election and since, that the government's view is that Mr Assange's case has dragged on too long and should be brought to a close. It is not generally my practice to give chapter and verse of everything that is said in every diplomatic communication. But in the interests of transparency on this issue I have said that I have personally expressed this view—the view that Mr Assange's case has dragged on long enough and should be brought to a close—to the government of the United States and the government of the United Kingdom, and I will continue to do so. The Prime Minister has also made clear in the parliament, and I'd refer you to his answers, that he has raised this case at the appropriate levels. What I would say is this—and you would know this, Senator Shoebridge, as a lawyer. We are not able, as an Australian government, to intervene in another country's legal or court processes. Honourable senators interjecting— Senator WONG: Well, it is true. You would understand— Senator Shoebridge interjecting— Senator WONG: Senator Shoebridge, there is a thing called the rule of law. There is a principle called the separation of powers. No amount of bellowing at me from that end of the chamber is going to change the fact that a court has to determine the legal process. So, we can raise these issues, as I have and as the Prime Minister has. But we are not able to alter the judicial processes of another country. Senator Whish-Wilson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Whish-Wilson, those comments are disrespectful and disorderly, and I would ask you not to call out. Senator WONG: Senator Whish-Wilson, how would you propose that we do that? Send the Australian Army into a court? I mean, really. The PRESIDENT: Senator Whish-Wilson? Senator Whish-Wilson: Seeing as I was asked a direct question, I can respond— The PRESIDENT: Senator Whish-Wilson, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge, a first supplementary?