Australia passes legislation to block construction of new Russian Embassy

Australian parliament on Thursday passed a legislation that would prevent construction of a new Russian Embassy in Canberra. The bill introduced in both chambers of Parliament was passed in less than two hours after its introduction. This move comes in aftermath of an order issued by Australia Federal Court order blocking eviction orders issued against Russian authorities. Before the bill was introduced, PM Anthony Albanese stated that close proximity of the concerned site to Australian Parliament presents risk of political interference. The legislation will terminate Russian lease of the concerned site.

Court had ruled eviction 'invalid'

Russian embassy signed lease for a new land in 2008 to replace its old facility. After receiving approval for construction in 2011, the embassy still remains partially built.

Under the lease agreement, Russia had agreed to construct the new facilities within time period of three-years. In August 2022, Canberra National Capital Authority issued eviction orders as Russia had missed three-year deadline to build new embassy. Following this, Australian Federal Court ruled in favor of Russia and eviction order issued by the government body was termed invalid.

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Security concerns moved quick legislation

The site of new Russian embassy sits directly adjacent to the Australian Parliament. Before the introduction of the bill, PM Anthony Albanese told the reporters that the government is acting upon a strong worded security advice in regard to proximity of site to the parliament house. "To be clear, today's decision is one taken in the national security interests of Australia." Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told reporters. Australia is one of the major non-NATO allies of the US. Australia has extended significant support to Ukraine and has imposed considerable sanctions against Russian individuals and entities.

Albanese also stated that he anticipates a response from Russian authorities, while clarifying no alteration to Russian mission in existing premises. "We don't expect that Russia's in a position to talk about international law, given their rejection of it so consistently and so brazenly with their invasion of Ukraine," he further added.

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