Australia Passes Legislation to Halt Russia’s New Embassy Construction Near Parliament for Security Concerns

On Thursday, the Australian Parliament enacted a law to block Russia from constructing a new embassy close to the Parliament House, citing security issues. This comes amid increasing strain between Moscow and Australia, which has been actively supporting Ukraine amidst the war.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese disclosed that this law would terminate Russia’s lease of the site, based on security agency recommendations.

“We have received explicit security guidance indicating a risk from the proposed Russian embassy in close proximity to Parliament House,” said Albanese. “We are swiftly acting to prevent the lease site from being used as an official diplomatic base.”

Albanese further noted the Australian government’s disapproval of Russia’s “unlawful and unethical invasion of Ukraine.”

Australia has been one of the foremost contributors of military equipment, training, and aid to Ukraine, surpassing most non-NATO countries. Since the outbreak of the war in February 2022, sanctions against Russia have been amplified.

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On Wednesday night, Albanese briefed opposition and non-government-aligned lawmakers on the legislation, who agreed to expedite its passing through both houses on Thursday. The government has a majority in the House but not the Senate.

The bill was passed into law within three hours of its public announcement by Albanese, progressing through the House and then the Senate. The legislation is slated to become operative later on Thursday following endorsement by Governor-General David Hurley, representing Australia’s head of state, King Charles III.

In response to inquiries about potential security threats from the Chinese Embassy located across the road from the Russian site, Albanese did not provide a direct answer.

“We’re addressing this issue in a focused manner, based on specific guidance regarding the proposed construction, its location, and the possible interference it could cause with Parliament House activities,” Albanese stated.

The Russian Embassy announced it would provide a comment later in the day.

The Australian government took this action following Russia’s victory in a Federal Court case last month that barred its eviction from the site currently under construction.

The lease, issued to Russia in 2008 in Yarralumla’s diplomatic precinct, was rescinded by local Canberra authorities due to the lack of building activity since the lease was awarded, and building plans were approved in 2011.

As per the lease terms, Russia was obliged to complete the construction within three years; however, the embassy remains partially constructed.

The National Capital Authority, which oversees embassy leases, chose to annul the Russian lease, noting that “ongoing unfinished works mar the overall aesthetic, significance, and respectability of the area designated for diplomatic missions.”

Presently, Russia occupies the former USSR embassy in the Griffith suburb, which is located farther from Parliament House than the new site.

Albanese mentioned that the Russian Embassy would stay in Griffith, and the Australian Embassy would continue to operate in Moscow.

Opposition defense spokesman Andrew Hastie expressed his party’s solidarity with the government on matters of national security.

“Russia has shown a lack of good faith towards its neighboring countries recently, continuing its campaign in Ukraine, which undermines principles of territorial and political sovereignty,” Hastie stated.

“There exists a trust deficit and a real threat to our national interest. The security advice recommends termination of this lease,” Hastie added.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil stated the site would not host any embassy.

“The main issue with the proposed second Russian Embassy in Canberra is its proximity to Parliament House,” O’Neil mentioned.

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More about security concerns

• Australia passes law to prevent Russia from building new embassy near Parliament
• Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s statement on the legislation
• Australia’s support to Ukraine in the war effort
• Background information on the tensions between Russia and Ukraine
• National Capital Authority’s role in embassy leases
• Opposition defense spokesman Andrew Hastie’s statement