The government rushed legislation through both houses of parliament on Thursday, passing it in a little more than an hour with the Coalition’s backing.
“The government has received very clear security advice as to the risks presented by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House.
A lease cancellation and a court challenge
The National Capital Authority granted the lease for the Yarralumla site that was within 500 metres of Parliament House in December 2008, and building approvals followed in 2011.
Under the lease conditions, Russia had agreed to finish construction within three years, but it remains partially built.
Last year, the authority decided to terminate the lease citing that “ongoing unfinished works detract from the overall aesthetic, importance and dignity of the area reserved for diplomatic missions”, which sparked a dispute between the two parties.
In May, the Federal Court overruled the National Capital Authority’s decision to evict Russia from the site, but the new legislation effectively negates the court’s ruling.
“The government has received clear national security advice that this would be a threat to our national security,” she said.
Russia’s existing embassy in the inner-south suburb of Griffith will not be affected by the decision.
Multipartisan support for legislation
Ms O’Neil thanked the Opposition, Greens, and the crossbench for their support, and said the legislation passed so quickly because of their cooperation.
“We will act in the face of danger to our democracy and our citizens, and we will do so without any apology to anyone,” she told parliament.
Opposition leader Peter Dutton said there was an “absolutely unified position” on acting in the national interest.
“It sends a very clear message to those that would seek to act against our national interest that they find no friend in this parliament,” he said.
Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie said the coalition would stand with the government on the issue of national security.
“There is a trust deficit, there is a real risk to our national interest here and the security advice is that this lease must be terminated,” he said.
Asked if the Chinese embassy, which is also located close to Parliament House, posed a security risk, Mr Albanese said the government was acting on specific advice which applied to the location of the site previously leased to Russia.