Australia ‘appalled beyond description’ by Khashoggi murder: PM

Australia will take “any and all necessary steps” against Saudi Arabia in the wake of Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, Scott Morrison says.

A man settles posters picturing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi outside the Saudi Arabia consulate in Istanbul during a demonstration in protest of his murder. Picture: Bulent Kilic/AFP

Scott Morrison has declared the government will take “any and all necessary steps” against Saudi Arabia after the murder of dissident journalist and Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

Speaking two days after Foreign Minister Marise Payne opened the door to banning arms sales to Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister said he and Senator Payne and Trade Minister Simon Birmingham were “monitoring” the diplomatic storm incredibly closely.

“As you know, we’ve withdrawn our involvement in some important trade events that are occurring in Saudi Arabia, working closely with our partners around the world on this topic,” Mr Morrison said.

“We are appalled beyond description by what has happened and we expect Saudi officials and others to fully co-operate with what is the process of justice, which is under way. We will be taking any and all necessary steps that we think are needed to pursue that path and pursue that outcome.”

Germany has announced it will not approve new arms exports to Saudi Arabia, while Defence Minister Christopher Pyne was awaiting the outcome of Saudi Arabia’s investigation into Mr Khashoggi’s death before considering whether to approve future Australian arms exports to the kingdom.

US President Donald Trump has accused Saudi Arabia of the worst cover-up in history. His administration will revoke visas of some officials implicated in Mr Khashoggi’s murder, which took place in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.