As previously mentioned, Albanese was quite guarded in his comments about Assange in the 24 hours or so between the news of his breach of agreement and his appearance in court.
After the court proceedings ended, Albanese was much more open in his comments in parliament.
“I thank the member for Clarke (Wilkie) for his question and I thank him and the parliamentary group co-chaired by the member for Fremantle (Labour MP Julian Hill) for their engagement on this issue, which I recognize has included some members from all political parties in this seat, including members of the Liberal Party and the National Party,” Albanese said.
“Julian Assange is on his way home to Australia. A US court in Saipan recently accepted a plea agreement between Mr Assange and the US Department of Justice.
“Mr Assange has boarded a flight to Australia and will be landing in Australia later today.
“Regardless of your views on his activities, and they will vary, Mr Assange’s case has dragged on far too long.
“I have said many times that there is nothing to be gained by keeping him in prison.
“I’m glad he’s coming home to Australia to be with his family here.
“In the two years since we took office, my government has committed and advocated, including at the leadership level, to resolve this. We used all the appropriate channels, this result was the product of careful, patient and determined work, work of which I am very proud.
“The Australian Government continues to provide consular assistance to Mr Assange when he returns home, as we do for Australians around the world.”
“I can confirm that US Ambassador Kevin Rudd and UK High Commissioner Stephen Smith are traveling to Australia with Mr Assange. I thank them for their work and others at the relevant embassy and high commission for helping us reach this conclusion.
“This work was complex and thought out. Here’s what Australians’ defense looks like around the world. It means getting the work done, getting results, and having the determination to stay the course.
“And I’m very pleased that in this case it was a successful outcome, which I believe overwhelmingly Australians wanted to see.”
“As I said, they will have different views on Mr Assange’s engagement and activities, but they will be pleased that this saga has been brought to an end and he will be able to be reunited with his family.”
