 I joined the federal bipartisan bring Julian Assange home parliamentary group due to my ongoing concerns about the treatment he has endured over the past decade. There may be a range of views about the actions of Mr Assange and WikiLeaks, which can be debated, but at the end of the day it's not the point. When an Australian is in trouble overseas, whatever the reason may be, it is the duty of our government to help them. It is not for us to sit in judgment. This is a question of mercy and compassion for an Australian citizen who has endured inhumane conditions and has suffered significant mental and physical challenges as a result of his ongoing incarceration due to this protracted battle. He has not been convicted of a crime, but has already served a lengthy sentence. I echo the words of fellow parliamentary group member Labor MP Julian Hill who has said there can never be a legal solution to this case. It is inherently political. We have previously managed to secure the safe return of Australian citizens under difficult diplomatic circumstances and we have a responsibility to do the same for Mr Assange. I called on the previous government to bring Mr Assange home and I call on the new government to do the same.