Australian government passes law cancelling lease on new Russian embassy site over security concerns

Anthony Albanese says he has briefed opposition on move in response to clear security advice' about risk of premises so close to parliament

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The Australian government has rushed through special legislation allowing it to cancel Russia's lease on a site for a new embassy near Parliament House, citing national security concerns.

On Thursday Anthony Albanese and the home affairs minister, Clare O'Neil, announced the move, with the prime minister promising to act quickly to ensure the leased site does not become a formal diplomatic presence".

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