Fremantle MP Josh Wilson is leading the charge to free Australian whistleblower Julian Assange as the Prime Minister faces pressure to condemn his extradition to the United States.
Mr Wilson, who is a member of the Parliamentary Friends of the Bring Julian Assange Home Group, believes the WikiLeaks founder should be returned to Australia after being in Britain for nearly a decade following his incarceration for exposing US war crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq.
He said it was time the matter came to an end but agreed with Anthony Albanese that it should be done in a diplomatic way.
“I think the Prime Minister has put it right — these are matters that are best dealt with in a measured, respectful, and diplomatic fashion,” Mr Wilson told The West Australian on Tuesday.
“I don’t believe that there’s any purpose or justice in the extradition or further prosecution of Julian Assange.
“I agree with the position of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Attorney-General that it’s time for the matter to come to an end, and in my view it’s time for Julian Assange to be free.”
It’s understood the Federal Government has been making behind the scenes representations to the US and UK on the issue.
However, with Mr Assange possibly being on a plane to the US within weeks to face charges under the Espionage Act, Mr Albanese is being urged to make a public statement expressing Australia’s disappointment.
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