2022 Australian Federal Election Scorecard On Myanmar Issues

How do the major Australian political parties score on key Myanmar issues?

In the lead-up to the 2022 Australian federal election, the Myanmar Campaign Network (MCN) wrote to all MPs and Senators asking them where they stand on three key Myanmar issues.

We received replies from individual MPs and senators, and the three major political parties.

Here’s how the three major parties scored:

Translations in Myanmar, Mizo Chin, Hahka Chin, Karen and Kachin.

What we asked

Support imposing sanctions on Myanmar’s junta and their economic interests?

Liberal Nationals Coalition: “Additional sanctions remain a live option.” [No new sanctions have been enacted since the February 2021 coup.]

Australian Labor: “The Australian Labor Party supports and has repeatedly called for targeted sanctions against those responsible for the coup.”

Australian Greens: “The Australian Greens have consistently and repeatedly calling for targeted sanctions against the generals responsible for the coup, the corporate holdings of key generals, and immediate family members who are benefitting from the coup.”

Support the Australian Government assisting and engaging with the NUG as the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar?

Liberal Nationals Coalition: “The Government recognises states, not governments. We will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders inside and outside Myanmar.”

Australian Labor: “Shadow Foreign Minister Penny Wong has met with representatives from the National Unity Government (NUG), and Labor has called for high-level Australia government engagement with the NUG.”

Australian Greens: “The Australian Greens have consistently and repeatedly calling for the Australian Government to meet with members of the National Unity Government, as the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar.”

Support the 47th Australian Parliament passing a motion of support acknowledging the CRPH and NUG as the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar?

Liberal Nationals Coalition: Not answered

Australian Labor: Not answered

Australian Greens: “The Australian Greens support the next Parliament passing a motion of support acknowledging the CRPH and the NUG as the legitimate representatives of the people of Myanmar.”

Read the statements from the three major political parties

Myanmar Campaign Network does not endorse any political party or candidate.

Source: party responses to survey and public record.

Authorised by Tasneem Roc for the Myanmar Campaign Network, Level 1, 364 Sussex Street Sydney.