Key Points
- Russia will not be able to build a new embassy at a site within 500 metres of Parliament House.
- Legislation blocking the move was passed in parliament on Thursday.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government had received "very clear" security advice.
Russia will be blocked from building a new embassy near Parliament House in Canberra over national security concerns.
The government rushed legislation through both houses of parliament on Thursday, passing it in a little more than an hour with the Coalition's backing.
"Today's decision is one taken in the national security interests of Australia," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra.
"The government has received very clear security advice as to the risks presented by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House.
"We are acting quickly to ensure the lease site does not become a formal diplomatic presence."
A lease cancellation and a court challenge
The National Capital Authority granted the lease for the Yarralumla site that was within 500 metres of Parliament House in December 2008, and building approvals followed in 2011.
Under the lease conditions, Russia had agreed to finish construction within three years, but it remains partially built.
Last year, the authority decided to terminate the lease citing that "ongoing unfinished works detract from the overall aesthetic, importance and dignity of the area reserved for diplomatic missions", which sparked a dispute between the two parties.
In May, the Federal Court overruled the National Capital Authority's decision to evict Russia from the site, but the new legislation effectively negates the court's ruling.
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said the government had made a decision not to allow the site to be used for a future diplomatic presence by any country.
Distance between the proposed Russian embassy location and Parliament House in Canberra. Credit: SBS News
"That is why the government is acting decisively today to bring this longstanding matter to a close."
Russia's existing embassy in the inner-south suburb of Griffith will not be affected by the decision.
"The Australian government maintains diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation, but we will always, always act in Australia's national interest," Ms O'Neil said.
Under the lease conditions, Russia had agreed to finish construction of its new embassy within three years of a building permit being approved in 2011, but it remains partially built. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch
Multipartisan support for legislation
Ms O'Neil thanked the Opposition, Greens, and the crossbench for their support, and said the legislation passed so quickly because of their cooperation.
"We will act in the face of danger to our democracy and our citizens, and we will do so without any apology to anyone," she told parliament.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said there was an "absolutely unified position" on acting in the national interest.
"It sends a very clear message to those that would seek to act against our national interest that they find no friend in this parliament," he said.
"We will do whatever it takes to make sure that we ensure our sovereignty."
Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Prime Minster Anthony Albanese led the ban on a new Russian embassy in Canberra. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
"There is a trust deficit, there is a real risk to our national interest here and the security advice is that this lease must be terminated," he said.
Asked if the Chinese embassy, which is also located close to Parliament House, posed a security risk, Mr Albanese said the government was acting on specific advice which applied to the location of the site previously leased to Russia.
The Australian Associated Press has contacted the Russian embassy for comment.
