Russia’s proposed new embassy site is within a kilometre of Parliament House in Canberra.Credit:Alex Ellinghausen
“The government has received clear national security advice that this would be a threat to our national security. And that is why the government is acting decisively today to bring this … matter to a close,” Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said.
Opposition foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham said he “strongly welcomed” the decision,adding that “Australia should always act to protect our national security interests”.
The National Capital Authority announced last August that it was terminating the Russian lease agreement because it had failed to finish construction within a reasonable time.
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“The block is a premium site in central Canberra,close to Lake Burley Griffin and the Australian Parliament House,” NCA chief executive Sally Barnes said.
“Ongoing unfinished works detract from the overall aesthetic,importance and dignity of the area reserved for diplomatic missions and foreign representation in the national capital.”
Barnes continued:“With limited blocks currently available for diplomatic purposes,unless a country can demonstrate a willingness and ability to develop the site,the NCA supports a policy of ‘Use it or lose it’.”
The Russian embassy has been contacted for comment.
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