Australian politicians from across the political spectrum gave their views this morning on the pending release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.
Home Secretary Clare O'Neil said it was a “hugely important day” for Assange which the government was grateful for.
“Whatever you think of Julian Assange, this is a person who was subjected to 14 years of solitary confinement and a very difficult issue for the people involved in this as we want this matter to end.” he told Seven's Sunrise.
Home Secretary Clare O'Neil.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
“I want Australians to know how instrumental our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has been in making this happen. He was a strong advocate for resolving this human rights issue long before it became popular.”
Coalition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume also supported the legal saga coming to an end, but said Assange was no hero.
“Personally speaking, Julian Assange is no hero of mine. He endangered the lives, not only of counterintelligence agents in the US, but also of innocent and helpful Iraqi and Afghan citizens who were helping coalition forces. It was a reckless move,” he said.
Greens leader Adam Bandt told the ABC Breakfast news he would not comment on ongoing legal matters, but said his party has always advocated for Assange's release.
“The Greens have said from the beginning that journalism is not a crime and it has caused incredible distress to many people in this country to see how Julian Assange has been treated,” he said.
