Beijing Winter Olympics: Stuart Robert says Australia boycott under ‘active consideration’

An Australian boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics is now ‘under active consideration’ after the US revealed it was taking the major step.

An Australian boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics is now under “active consideration” after the USA announced it was taking a diplomatic stand against human rights abuses.

Employment Minister Stuart Robert told reporters on Tuesday that a similar boycott was now being considered in light of the major development.

“Those matters are under active consideration by government,” he said.

“To be clear, the matter is under active consideration.”

The USA announced overnight that it would not be sending any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games due to the ongoing genocide of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang.

US athletes will still be able to compete and attend.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said it was about sending a “clear message” to China.

“The Biden administration will not send any diplomatic or official representation to the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics games given the PRC’s ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang,” she said.

Liberal senator Eric Abetz has called for Australia to follow suit.

Australia is ‘considering’ its own boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics: Picture: AFP

“The decision by the United States, our close ally and friend, to diplomatically boycott the Beijing Winter Olympics is a most welcome move and one in that Australia must follow suit,” he said.

“Australia must not be complacent but move with speed to demonstrate our long commitment to upholding human rights and calling out where they are breached.”

Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said in a statement: “A decision on Commonwealth representation at the Beijing Winter Olympics is yet to be made.”

The Women’s Tennis Association also last week announced all tournaments in China would be suspended in light of concerns about the safety of Chinese tennis star Peng Shuai.

Ms Peng’s safety became a concern when she disappeared on November 2 after posting a message on social media alleging that China’s former vice-premier had sexually assaulted her.

Her post was removed within minutes, and the tennis champ stopped appearing in public.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last Friday that Australia was ‘considering” a boycott following that development.

“There has been discussion over the last couple of weeks about China and the sporting arena and Peng Shuai and her safety … Will Australia join a boycott?” a reporter asked.

“We will be considering that,” he replied.