Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

I have been asked to rule out something 'ever' happening. That, of course, is always a particularly difficult ask, especially when we are engaged, as we are with ISIL and the international conflict we are seeing unfold before our eyes, with an organisation that is about as barbaric as it can get. I understand that the President of the United States has made certain statements. Whether that would involve what the honourable senator refers to I do not know. I am happy to seek advice from the Prime Minister's office whether any further information needs to be provided in relation to the senator's question. Can I simply express my disappointment that the Australian Greens continually ask questions in this place about what the freedom-loving democracies of this world are doing in the fight against ISIL. There have been no questions about how we can assist the 1.8 million displaced Iraqis, no question on support. Even as the Leader of the Opposition has quite rightly expressed bipartisan support, for the Australian Greens it would just be a step too far to recognise the absolute barbarity of ISIL, that it needs to be condemned and needs to be stopped in its tracks, and the fact that now 40 nations have come together in a mix of Middle Eastern nations, European nations, the United States— (Time expired)