Australia has urged a diplomatic solution to the escalating crisis in Venezuela after being caught off guard by a dramatic United States raid that resulted in the detention and removal of President Nicolas Maduro.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday the government was closely monitoring rapidly unfolding developments and called on all parties to pursue dialogue and diplomacy to preserve regional stability.
In a statement posted on X, Albanese said Australia had long held concerns about Venezuela, particularly regarding democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and reaffirmed support for international law and a peaceful, democratic transition reflecting the will of the Venezuelan people.
Assistant Health Minister Rebecca White said Australia was working with international partners to clarify details of Washington's surprise early-morning operation, which saw Maduro and his wife flown to New York to face criminal charges.
She stressed Australia was neither involved nor consulted and described the move as a unilateral US decision, adding Canberra was seeking further clarification through appropriate diplomatic channels.
White declined to speculate on broader geopolitical implications but reiterated Australia's commitment to international legal norms.
The opposition Coalition welcomed Maduro's detention, with Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and foreign affairs spokeswoman Michaelia Cash calling him an illegitimate president responsible for repression, corruption and systemic human rights abuses, and urging a return to free and fair elections.
The Greens, however, condemned the US action as a breach of international law, warning it risked emboldening authoritarian leaders globally.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated travel advice for Venezuela, urging Australians to shelter safely, maintain essential supplies and consider departing if conditions allow.