Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The member for Canning, this morning, went through the process for when he was the chair of the intelligence committee, when the former government was in office. He said this:

We put it through the right channels, but nonetheless, here we are now …

He said:

I had a number of ministers who had a direct interest in the work of the committee, from home affairs, foreign affairs, defence, and so on. Anyone who sat on the national security committee of cabinet had an interest in what we did on the committee. It wasn't listed, but here we are …

I thank the member for Canning for his ongoing response when it comes to national security issues, and I acknowledge his service in our uniform.

The fact is that the Iranian regime did not come into office after this regime here, in 2022. The Iranian regime have been there for a long period of time and have engaged in activity that has been inappropriate. They have a different world view to everyone in this chamber. That should be a bipartisan position. But the withdrawal of an ambassador is a very serious step, indeed, to take. That is the step that we have taken.

When it comes to the revolutionary guard, of course, because it is an arm of the state, the advice that we received is that it will need special legislation, unlike other terror groups which have been listed which are not part of a state operation. That had been the case under the former government, and it's still the case today, which is why we will take the time to get the legislation right and to make sure it is channelled.

I hope I get another question, or perhaps I can get an extension. I'm happy to go through what the government have done when it comes to antisemitism across the board, because we have had a comprehensive response. He raises the envoy on antisemitism; we created it. They never did it. Envoys on antisemitism have existed in the United States and in other countries right around the world. (Extension of time granted) I spoke about the establishment and appointment of Jillian Segal as Australia's first Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism. One of the first things—

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