The Australian government is keeping a close watch on developments in Venezuela after the forcible capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the US military.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the government had been briefed on the matter after the authoritarian leader and his wife were taken to the US, adding Australia had long-held concerns about the regime.
"Obviously, those developments are fast-moving, and like everyone around the world, we will be monitoring the situation," he told reporters in Brisbane on Monday.
"Our position is to encourage the relevant parties now to engage in dialogue and diplomacy and to ensure that there's not an escalation."
Protesters in major Australian cities condemned the operation in Venezuela, while others celebrated the president's downfall.
Mr Maduro was transported to New York under US guard following a military offensive in Caracas sparked by months of tension between the two nations.
President Donald Trump said the US would "run the country" until a safe, proper and judicious transition, while unveiling plans to tap and sell Venezuela's substantial oil reserves.
He also threatened military action against Colombia's government, telling reporters that such an operation "sounds good to me".
Dr Chalmers said Australia supported international law but it was up to the US "to make clear the legal basis of the steps taken over the weekend".
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said the Venezuelan president's removal was a "good thing".
"The coalition's position has always been for a transition to democracy in Venezuela, and dictators and despots should always face justice," she told reporters in Canberra.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Australia's capital cities on Sunday evening to denounce the US administration's actions.
In Sydney, protesters waved posters that read, "Hands off Venezuela" and "Down with imperialism".
But there was also jubilation among supporters of Venezuela's opposition who celebrated the fall of Mr Maduro.
More than 150 people packed the steps of Melbourne's Flinders Street Station, yelling "shame" when speakers said the ousted president had been "kidnapped".
The anti-US protesters said they supported Venezuelans who stood for their sovereignty, and demanded the Australian government cut ties and sanction the US administration.
Liberal MP Tim Wilson said the Labor government needed to speak with Australia's ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd and find out what the US administration's plans were.
"It's an extraordinary situation. It felt like watching a movie in real time," Mr Wilson told Nine's Today show on Monday.
Nationals leader David Littleproud said "we should be happy that an illegitimate, brutal dictator has been removed" but the sovereignty of Venezuela needed to be respected.
"The world is looking, waiting with bated breath, at what the next move is of the Trump administration," he told Seven's Sunrise program.
"And this should be more than about oil or drugs - this should be about making returning the country of Venezuela back to its people."
Australia is home to more than 6600 Venezuelan-born residents, with about 10,000 people of Venezuelan ancestry, according to the 2021 census.
The Venezuelan Association of Australia said there would be complex emotions within the diaspora but was pleased the authoritarian leader had been removed.
"In moments like this, our shared hope remains for a free, democratic, and united Venezuela where people can live with dignity, safety and opportunity," the association said.
The US has previously accused Mr Maduro of running a narco-state and rigging the country's 2024 national election, claims the ousted president has denied.
Mr Maduro's government appears to still be in charge, with Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assuming the role of acting president.
