Australia responds to Russian UK attack

AUSTRALIAN ACTION AGAINST RUSSIA

- Two Russian diplomats told to leave Australia within seven days.

- Action relates to Russia's use of military-grade nerve agent in an attempted assassination in Salisbury, UK, on March 4.

- Last expulsion from Australia was of two Syrian diplomats in 2012 over the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons.

- Prime Minister says the federal parliament should also pass new foreign interference and espionage laws.

- Australia accuses Russia of political assassinations, cyber attacks, attempts to manipulate Western elections, illegal annexation of Crimea, invasion of Georgian and Ukraine territory and disruption of the investigation into the downing of flight MH17.

- 23 countries are taking action against Russia.