ABC AUSTRALIA
By Samantha Donovan
11/21/2013
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This morning the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated its travel advice for Indonesia, warning about a demonstration planned for outside the Australian Embassy later today.
But there is no indication Mr Abbott intends to say sorry. Late yesterday, he rose in Parliament to reiterate his regret over the spying reports.
"I want to express here in this chamber my deep and sincere regret about the embarrassment to the president and to Indonesia that's been caused by recent media reporting," he said.
Mr Abbott said he would respond "swiftly, full and courteously" to a written request for an explanation.
No doubt mindful of the fact the phone tapping program was in place during Labor's time in office, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten lent his support to the Government.
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Opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek supported the bipartisan approach when she fronted reporters this morning.
"We are absolutely committed to working with the Government to restoring good relations with Indonesia," she said.
"[We are] absolutely willing to support any moves they make to restore the relationship to its normal footing."
However, she said Australia's relationship with Indonesia had been stuck in a downward spiral since the election.
"We need to work on a relationship that's been stressed for some time and is now at a very strained stage," she said.
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Downer says 'never confirm or deny'
Australia's longest serving foreign minister, Alexander Downer, has also supported Mr Abbott's position.
He told the ABC's Lateline program that Australia does not owe Indonesia a detailed explanation of its spying activities.
He says Mr Abbott's priority is to defend Australia's intelligence assets, adding that while Mr Yudhuyono had been "a great friend" to Australia, "he is not responsible for Australia's intelligence assets".
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US secretary of state John Kerry has also supported the approach not to discuss intelligence matters.
Speaking at a press conference with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Washington this morning, they both refused to say whether they discussed the spying controversy - one that was sparked by the leaking of documents by former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.
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"We do not discuss them publicly and we will not do so."
Mr Kerry said: "We just don’t talk about intelligence matters in public, and we’re not about to begin now."
He added that the US has a critical working relationship with Australia, "likewise we have great respect and affection for Indonesia".
Greens urge Abbott to personally contact SBY
However, Greens leader Christine Milne says Mr Abbott needs to personally contact Mr Yudhoyono or risk increasing tension between the two countries.
"Tony Abbott - by not intervening and actually contacting the president - is allowing the situation to ramp up," she told Radio National.
She said given the protest planned in Jakarta today, "people will be a bit scared to go to Indonesia".
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"This is Tony Abbott's chest thumping to Indonesia during the election campaign - his whole stop the boats, he's going to do all this - coming home to roost," she said.
"He must prioritize our relationship with Indonesia rather than his pitch to his domestic political vote."
Senator Milne is also concerned that Indonesia's decision to stop all cooperation to curb people smuggling activities could result in more deaths at sea.
Meanwhile, there has been a scathing response to the spying revelations in Indonesia.
DFAT has advised Australians to monitor local media, avoid protests and maintain high levels of vigilance and security awareness while travelling there.
The prime political newspaper has branded Australia a dangerous neighbour.
Newspaper cartoons have also showed things like a giant kangaroo jumping all over Indonesia and leaving big muddy footprints.