On May 26, Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown put a motion to the senate that the senate call on Indonesian President Habibie to:

a) release Xanana Gusmao immediately and ensure his unhindered freedom as an advocate for East Timor; and

b) allow East Timor a free vote on self-determination, including the option of unfettered independence.

Only nine senators voted for the motion. These were Brown; the Australian Democrats' Lyn Allison, Andrew Bartlett, Vicki Bourne, Meg Lees, Andrew Murray and Natasha Stott Despoja; the WA Greens' Dee Margetts; and independent Brian Harradine.

All 48 senators from the ALP and the Coalition parties voted against the motion.

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