Foreign Minister Marise Payne says Australia will not impose further sanctions on Myanmar’s military leadership despite the position placing Australia at odds with global allies.
Senator Payne says sanctions would restrict the influence of Australia over Myanmar’s military leadership, which is exerted through the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Australia has faced persistent pressure to impose targeted sanctions on the military government since Myanmar’s violent coup began in February.
The United States, United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union have all imposed sanctions against military leaders and other businesses with ties to the junta.
Senator Payne on Thursday defended Australia’s position during a senate estimates hearing.
“Our consideration is not to impose them at this time,” Senator Payne said.
“It is not our view that they would advance our interests and our interests in supporting the ASEAN-led solution and the ASEAN efforts that are being made.”
Myanmar’s security forces have killed 840 people since coup erupted, according to figures from activists that have been cited by the United Nations.
Almost 400 civil society organisations inside Myanmar last month condemned the Australian government's response as “shameful inaction”.
Greens Senator Janet Rice pressed Senator Payne over why the Australian government had not heeded the concerns.
“Do you think it's credible our position is so divergent with the position the US, UK, the EU and Canada have taken,” she said.
“Are we at risk of undermining a coordinated global approach?”
Senator Payne said the Australian government had made its decision based on its own “national interests" as well as the circumstances in “our region and on the ground”.
“Sanctions are one aspect of potential response - they are not everything,” she said.
She added that no countries in Australia’s region have taken such measures - emphasising the government was “absolutely” committed to resolving the situation.
“We have been very committed to supporting regional efforts to deescalate the situation in Myanmar and to work towards a solution,” she said.
The Australian government has cut military ties with the junta and also announced it will redirect aid away from government-related entities.
DFAT officials told the committee that Myanmar’s military government had been “largely impervious” to foreign influence, citing the need to work with closer regional partners to take action.
However, officials did say that Australia’s decision to impose sanctions remained under “active consideration” and had not been “ruled out”.
