In New York for the UN General Assembly, the Prime Minister told international journalists that "we do need to stand up for the international rule of law."
"Prime Minister Albanese is right to say that international institutions and the international rule of law matter to Australia, " said Dr Emma Shortis, Director of The Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs program.
"But the government has failed to act consistently in the defence of both and last week, the government joined with the Coalition to oppose practical action that would match its rhetoric.
"The Red Lines Package of legislation would strengthen Australia's commitment to our international legal obligations. It would make sure that Australia doesn't fund, arm, or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes, or genocide - anywhere in the world.
"Right now, Australian domestic law doesn't do enough to ensure that Australia is not complicit in these crimes."
The Red Lines legislation would address these gaps, but Dr Shortis says the government has shown no interest in engaging with the package.
"It's not that the government won't support the legislation – it's that it won't even allow a proper conversation about it in Parliament," Dr Shortis said.
This week, supporters of the Red Lines Package – including The Australia Institute – wrote to Foreign Affairs Minister, Senator Penny Wong, urging the Labor government to reconsider its position.
"Why would Australians believe that this government has any interest in strengthening and supporting international law? Why would they believe this government is investing in a better future for us and the world?"
"The Red Lines Package offers a practical opportunity to turn that rhetoric into something real. A government that was serious about its support for international law would take it."
