Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the coalition—Australians are watching the conflict in the Middle East with deep concern, but Australians also instinctively have a clear-eyed understanding of what is at stake, not just for the region but for the international order and for our own national interests here at home. What we are witnessing is not simply another episode in a long-running regional dispute. It reflects a deeper strategic reality that the world can no longer ignore.

For decades, the Iranian regime has pursued a deliberate strategy of destabilisation across the Middle East. It has funded, armed and directed proxy forces—Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. It has invested heavily in missile programs. It has pursued nuclear capabilities in defiance of the international community. Iran's strategy has been to wage indirect conflict through militant proxies while seeking to shield itself from direct accountability. That is why the current crisis must be understood in its full strategic context. It forms part of a broader contest, increasingly shaping the international system between authoritarian regimes and democratic nations. That matters to Australia. Our security and prosperity depend on a stable international system and on our own secure sea lanes, functioning energy markets and the rule of law between nations.

I want to be direct about the Iranian regime. The barbaric and brutal regime in Tehran is authoritarian, antisemitic and abhorrent. Since 1979, it has oppressed, imprisoned and murdered countless numbers of its own citizens. It has been responsible for acts of foreign interference here in Australia, including inciting antisemitism and organising at least two acts of terror here on our shores. No freedom-loving person will be shedding tears over the death of the ayatollah. The confirmation of the death of the supreme leader Ali Khamanei was welcome news not just for the people of Iran but for the world. His death is a great setback for tyranny and a leap forward for the cause of freedom. For the first time in almost five decades, the Iranian people have a real chance to secure the freedom they have long desired and that we here in Australia are lucky enough to experience day by day. We pray for the Iranian people at this time—that they be given the courage and the safety to build a better future. The opportunity, of course, has been made possible by the decisiveness and moral fortitude of the United States and of Israel and the combined military strength and bravery of their defence forces. The coalition salutes them.

Israel, like every nation, has the right to defend itself against those who seek its destruction. No democratic nation can be expected to tolerate persistent threats to its citizens or to its existence, and the coalition stands firmly in support of Israel's right to defend itself. But, sadly, there have been some failures by the Albanese government, least of all in terms of the 115,000 Australians in the Middle East—many of them anxious and desperate to return home—and, in a crisis like this, every minute counts. Sadly, this government's response has been marked by confusion, delay and poor communication. On top of that, Labor must explain to the Senate and to the Australian people why Australians travelling to the Middle East were not properly advised of the dangers at the same time as our own officials were evacuated out of the region.

Of course, the consequences of this conflict are also being felt directly by Australians here at the bowser and in their businesses. Again, when confronted with this reality, the Australian government makes excuses. Their response has been to blame the customers. They are in complete denial, they are not on top of the domestic reality, and they do not understand the supply shortages, and, sadly, Australians are paying the price. But, ultimately, Australia stands for democracy and freedom. We stand for the rule of law. This is a critical moment for democracies and countries committed to the cause of freedom.