US diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks support the Australian Greens' claim that oil and gas companies investing in Burma are "directly helping to strengthen the military hold on power".

Greens spokesperson on Burma Senator Scott Ludlam said US diplomats had echoed Greens calls for stronger sanctions against the dictatorship.

Question No. 338

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 6 December 2010:

Question No. 364

Senator Ludlam asked the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, upon notice, on 17 December 2010:

Pursuant to standing order 74(5), I ask the Minister representing the Foreign Minister, Minister Conroy, for an explanation as to why answers have not been provided to questions on notice Nos 338 and 364 asked on 6 and 17 December 2010.

Questions over potential Australian action on Burma's alleged nuclear program have remained unanswered by the Government for 250 days, the Australian Greens said today.

Senator Scott Ludlam put the questions on notice to the Minister representing the Foreign minister in the Senate chamber in December last year.

Senator LUDLAM (Western Australia) (11:58): I move:

That the Senate-

(a) notes that:

(i) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has embarked on a tour of Burma,

(ii) Kyaw Win, the second highest-ranking diplomat at the Burmese Embassy in Washington DC, has defected because of the Burmese Government's human rights violations and sham elections, adding that the current threats against Daw Suu's life 'must be taken seriously'; and

(b) requests the Government to:

(i) monitor Daw Suu's safety and welfare,

Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Thursday 2 June 2011

Senator LUDLAM: I have a couple of questions relating to Burma as it relates to our aid program. I understand there was a recent Burma conference at ANU called Burma/Myanmar Update, held on 16 and 17 May in Canberra. I understand that this conference was funded by AusAID-or that is what the conference convener said. Can you confirm for us whether or not AusAID funded that conference?

Mr Moore: Yes, we have provided funding to that Burma update conference for some years. We were a funder this year as well.

Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade Thursday 2 June 2011

CHAIR: Thank you, Senator Trood. I think we should now go on to Senator Ludlam. You are on non-proliferation, Senator Ludlam?

Senator LUDLAM: I think I will probably direct most of my questions to Mr Floyd. Before I get into detail perhaps you might provide us with what your current work plan is and what is occupying most of your time.

Defence Foreign Affairs and Trade Wednesday 1 June 2011

Senator LUDLAM: Thanks very much, Chair, and thanks, Senator Trood. Welcome back, Mr Borrowman. Last time we met, which was I think shortly after the November election in Burma-a month or two-there had not been any formal communication between the Australian government and the new government in Burma. Is that still the case?

The Government has invented a new reason to avoid answering questions in Senate Estimates hearings today, refusing to address topics relating to leaked documents.

"The Government has set an arbitrary and dangerous precedent based on nothing more than discomfort at revelations in successive WikiLeaks disclosures," Greens Senator Scott Ludlam said today.