Rudd moves to strengthen sanctions

FOREIGN Minister Kevin Rudd has moved to bolster Australia’s ability to stamp down on rogue states, such as Iran, in Parliament.

Rudd introduced a bill last Thursday that will see the Government deliver tougher autonomous sanctions.

The bill began making its way through the Parliament earlier this year, but was suspended when the election was called.

Singling out Iran, Rudd said the new legislation would allow Australia to take its global obligations seriously.

“This will ensure that Australia’s autonomous sanctions can match the scope and strength of measures implemented by like-minded states,” he said.

“The Australian Government will continue to review regularly autonomous sanctions with respect to the ongoing need to apply pressure on particular regimes, as well as the sanctions measures applied to that particular regime.”

In the past, Australia has been limited in the sanctions it can impose because there has been no specific sanctions legislation.

The AJN understands this bill, which is expected to be supported by the Coalition, was sparked by a desire to better tackle Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program.

NAOMI LEVIN

PHOTO: Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd. Photo: AJN file