George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Attorney-General) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government has carefully considered the statement overnight by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regarding the importance of international action to combat the spread of ISIL in Iraq. As the secretary-general stated, the situation in Iraq is very worrisome, and the terrorist activities by ISIL are totally unacceptable. The international community must show solidarity. The Australian government agrees with the secretary-general that a failure to act by the international community will result in a continuation of ISIL's unacceptable activities. The secretary-general also said:

It is about people, very innocent people, young people, women and girls and old people who do not have much capacity. …

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… without addressing this issue through certain means, including military and counter-terrorism actions, we will just end up allowing these terrorist activities to continue. … we have to be firm and address the issue.

The Australian government supports the secretary-general's remarks, including his call for international action, to deal with the threats posed by ISIL. It is important that all senators heed the comments and warning of the secretary-general and his calls for the international community to show solidarity in response to ISIL.