Labor seeks to end Timor dispute

A Labor government would seek a speedy end to the dispute over maritime boundaries between Australia and East Timor.

Shadow foreign minister Tanya Plibersek said a negotiated resolution was vital to ensuring oil and gas resources can be developed.

Ms Plibersek said it would also bolster Australia's credentials as it sought to ensure the rule of law was upheld in the South China Sea dispute and in regard to Japanese whaling.