Prime minister returns to Canberra as overnight comments from Barack Obama on chemical weapons claims raise stakes
The civil war in Syria has caused a momentary halt to Australia's federal election campaign, with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd returning to Canberra for a briefing on the unfolding crisis.
Rudd flew back to the nation's capital on Saturday to speak with national security officials, and to work with officials on Australia's response to claims Syrian forces had used chemical weapons on civilians.
The opposition leader, Tony Abbott, said it was is entirely appropriate that Rudd returned from Sydney, where he had been campaigning.
In line with caretaker government conventions, Abbott will be given equal national security briefings.
Rudd told reporters he was calling a brief halt to his campaign to consider the matter in all its detail.
"And I'm not about to make any rushed or rash judgements about what the country should do next," Rudd said.
"We take our alliance obligations seriously, we take our caretaker convention's obligations seriously.
"But my first responsibility as the prime minister of the country is to make sure these matters are being attended to thoroughly and carefully."
US President Barack Obama has said allegations of chemical weapons use were a "grave concern".
Rudd said he had noted carefully what Obama said "as this recent event is one which he and the government of the United States is viewing with great concern".
"The Australian government views this development with equal concern," he said.
Rudd spoke on the phone to UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon about actions in the UN security council.
He has also discussed the issue with the US ambassador to Australia, Jeff Bleich.
Campaigning in Adelaide, Abbott said it was entirely appropriate for Rudd to be briefed.
"Obviously terrible things are happening in that country," he said.
"It's very important that United Nations inspectors be allowed in to get to the bottom of exactly what has happened.
"I hope the international community is able to do what it can to try to ensure that the bloodshed ceases and ordinary human rights are once more respected."
He dismissed suggestions that he too should be rushing back to Canberra for security briefings, rather than continuing his campaign.
"I'm looking forward to receiving briefings, but I think it's quite possible for briefings to be had while I'm on the road," he said.
"I don't for a second underplay the seriousness of this situation, and I entirely support the prime minister receiving briefings."
Abbott and his deputy, Julie Bishop, will be briefed on Sunday by the head of the department of foreign affairs and trade, Peter Varghese, in Brisbane.
