Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate take note of all answers given to all coalition questions today during question time.

The decision to expel the ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran is both welcome and necessary but gives rise to some very serious questions. The actions of Iran demonstrate that this is one of the most egregious acts of foreign interference against our nation since the darkest days of the Cold War. In fact, this is the first time an ambassador has been expelled from our country since the Japanese ambassador was expelled in 1941 following the attack on Pearl Harbour. All Australians are shocked to learn of the serious and chilling foreign interference which has been perpetrated by Iran on Australian soil.

The coalition supports the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador and the listing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation. As the director-general of ASIO explained, the Iranian government has been confirmed as having directed at least two attacks against Australia's Jewish community, including the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue. Australians rightly expect zero tolerance for foreign backed terror and antisemitic violence on our soil. These revelations lay bare just how severe Australia's antisemitism crisis has become.

The coalition called for the expulsion of the Iranian ambassador last year when he praised Hezbollah's terrorist leader. The coalition has been urging the government to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation for more than two years, and we will back any legislative changes introduced by the government without delay. The Australian Jewish community deserves safety not excuses. This must be the start of a broader crackdown on Iranian regime proxies, foreign interference and intimidation in Australia.

In question time today, the Foreign Minister said that Iran has been known to be a disruptive and malign actor for many years. This gives rise to a very obvious question: why, then, has it taken so long for the government to act? The Iranian regime has a well documented history of sponsoring terrorism domestically and internationally. The government's delay raises concerns about the government's priorities, it raises concerns about the government's commitment to national security, and it raises concerns about the government's ability to protect all Australians. This point was put very eloquently to me just today by a correspondent from Western Australia, Professor Matthew Ogilvie. He said this:

The expulsion of Iran's Ambassador is a necessary step, but it comes too late to absolve the Albanese government of its delayed response.

Australians deserve a government that prioritises their safety over political ideologies. The failure to act decisively on clear warnings about a known state sponsor of terrorism raises questions about the government's competence in national security matters. Iran, governed by a regime driven by ideological fanaticism, shows every sign of continuing its global campaign of global influence and violence. Australia cannot afford further delays or missteps. The Albanese government must face scrutiny for its inaction, and voters should hold it accountable at the next election.

These events should raise alertness, awareness and preparedness regarding the continued interference and activities of other authoritarian regimes.

Remember this. Yesterday the director-general of ASIO said that 'authoritarian regimes are more willing to engage in reckless, high-harm activities' than ever before. While the Iranian regime has captured the attention of this country in the last few years—indeed, it has captured the attention of the country in the last 24 hours—we must make sure that it is the end and not the beginning of more examples of other authoritarian regimes choosing to act with recklessness and engage in high-harm activities on Australian soil.