"Where additional cables are published and criminal offences are suspected, these matters should be referred to the AFP for evaluation," the statement declared. Grossly irresponsible: Gillard Ms Gillard later told journalists the release of US cables by WikiLeaks was a grossly irresponsible act. She said Mr Assange would have access to full consular assistance. "Obviously, as an Australian citizen, Mr Assange is entitled to the consular assistance we provide to Australians citizens around the world when they find themselves in legal circumstances," Ms Gillard said.

She said the theft of documents was "properly in the hands of the US authorities to deal with". She said the government had believed it was appropriate to refer the matter to the federal police to see if there had been any breaches of Australian law. "We have done that, we have received the advice, and the advice is there have been no breaches of Australian law," she said. She said there were occasions when whistleblowers disclosed information of some wrongdoing after taking all reasonable steps to achieve action. "That is not the circumstance here ... with WikiLeaks. This has been a wholesale release of information," she said.

"There are some people who are fans of this conduct but I most certainly am not." Ms Gillard said she did not believe this had raised any issue about changing Australian laws. She said the foundation stone of the leaks was an illegal act, the initial taking of the documents in breach of US law. That was not done by a journalist but by an individual with access to that confidential material, she said. "I believe it is appropriate when people are reporting on WikiLeaks, that they do not make the slip of suggesting that because something is written in a cable, it is fact," she said.

"Cables are a recording of views of the individuals writing the cables and so that should be clear on all occasions. "While this process has its fans, the other side needs to be put. I do believe this conduct is irresponsible." Ms Gillard said confidential cables could identify people living under repressive regimes who were providing information to the US and that could have consequences. "I don’t allege that this has occurred," she said. Attorney-General Robert McClelland

Attorney-General Robert McClelland said earlier the government had received the advice from the federal police. Mr McClelland said the federal police noted a number of offences that could be applied in the circumstances, depending on whether all elements of the offence could be proven. Based on the information available to date, the federal police has not identified any criminal offences where Australia has jurisdiction and as a result have not commenced an investigation, he said. "The government referred the matter to the federal police as it was prudent to examine whether any Australian laws have been broken," he said in a statement. "As has previously been stated, given the documents published to date are classified by the United States, the primary jurisdiction for any investigation into the matter remains the United States.

"The government remains extremely concerned about the unauthorised and irresponsible distribution of classified material," he said. Mr Assange was earlier today released on bail in London, after being placed on remand following a European arrest warrant issued by Sweden. Loading He is wanted there in connection with allegations of sexual assault. He denies the allegations. - with AAP