Second, the parliament passed new labour laws last month which, if implemented effectively, will bring Burma more closely into line with international norms and International Labour Organisation standards. Again the real test will be in the implementation, but the finalisation of these new laws is welcome.
Finally, in the past month there has been a marked relaxation of restrictions on access to a range of international media websites within Burma. Even Burma's own tightly controlled media has begun to report more freely, including on Suu Kyi.
This is a critical juncture for Burma. Beyond the release of political prisoners and genuine progress towards democratic reform, the international community wants to encourage deep and durable reforms that improve the lives of the Burmese people in a range of areas. We need to be clear and transparent in identifying what further steps Burma needs to take. As Burma's political processes evolve, we want to see greater political freedom and ongoing physical security for opposition figures, including Suu Kyi and the National League for Democracy.
The Burmese government also needs to do better in delivering basic services to its people. As the second largest donor of aid to the Burmese people, Australia has made clear that we are serious about supporting reform efforts in the key sectors of education and health. Increased Burmese government spending in these areas is required.
Australia urges a re-commitment of all sides to existing ceasefires, to provide space for peaceful negotiated settlement of Burma's longstanding ethnic conflicts, with the Burmese government working closely with UN and humanitarian organisations to meet the needs of displaced and vulnerable populations, particularly in the southeast border areas.
It is in our collective interests to work with those who want reform in Burma.
A stable, more democratic and more prosperous Burma is clearly in the interests of the Burmese people. It is also in Australia's and the region's strategic interests. For these reasons we will do all that is in our power to press for the change the people of Burma so desperately deserve.
We dare to hope, but the jury is still out.
