Russian Navy Ships

The Department of Defence is monitoring these vessels. They are in international waters, and they’re allowed to be there. People shouldn’t get excited about this. I don’t foresee any need for any boat turnbacks.

I think Tony Abbott’s comment about ‘shirtfronting’ was foolish and childish. It is said that in the world of diplomacy you should speak softly and carry a big stick. This was the opposite – bellicose megaphone diplomacy. It has been an obstacle, rather than a help, to getting the answers Australians want about the shooting down of the MH17.