Prime Minister Scott Morrison:"We're an open democracy,we speak our minds as individuals."Credit:Getty
Thedecision to deny Mr Hastie and Senator Paterson,vocal critics of the Chinese Communist Party's human rights record and interference in Australia,visas for a study tour comes asThe New York Times publishedinternal Chinese Communist documents exposing the country's crackdown on Muslim minority groups.
"They were denied visas,which I think was very disappointing,"Mr Morrison told Adelaide's FiveAA radio station."The response by Senator Paterson and Andrew Hastie I thought was spot on,I thought it was very measured,it was very strong,I thought it was very appropriate.
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"It's for others to explain as to why they took the view that they did – the Chinese authorities. But we're an open democracy,we speak our minds as individuals and certainly James and Andrew have always been known for that,we'll always be who we are."
He also responded to a report in Monday'sThe Australian revealing Australia's human rights partnership with China was quietly suspended in August after more than two decades.
"This matter wasn't being progressed,the last time it met was in 2014,there was no forward momentum of it,so yes we discontinued it in August,"Mr Morrison said.
"It wasn't getting the job done,we'll continue to raise these issues,sensitive issues,whether it be on human rights or other[issues]."