Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cox for that question. Before I turn to it, could I take the indulgence of welcoming the four Pacific fellows sitting in the press gallery, who have been supported to visit Australia by the Australian government through the Australia Awards Fellowships program. They are from Fiji, PNG and Vanuatu. Welcome to the Senate.

Honourable senators: Hear, hear!

In relation to your question, Senator Cox, I can inform the Senate that Iran's reprisal attacks continue at a scale and depth that we have not seen before. At least nine cities in which we have Australian embassies and consulates have experienced missile and drone attacks. Our missions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Tel Aviv have all had to physically close in the last week. We urge Australians to follow advice on Smartraveller, including where we recommend not attending these missions or surrounding areas. The government's No. 1 priority is to keep Australians safe at home and abroad. The dangerous and destabilising attacks by Iran put civilian lives at risk, including Australian lives, and we continue to support Australians affected as limited commercial flights resume and we expand consular efforts.

As of today, more than 3,200 Australians have returned on 23 commercial flights. There will be further scheduled services in coming days. Commercial flights remain the fastest option for Australians to leave the Middle East. Major airlines have extended their refund and rebooking windows to assist passengers whose flights have been impacted. We encourage all Australians to leave the region if possible. Please take a seat on a commercial flight if one is available. It may be the last chance for some time. This conflict is likely to intensify and continue in the near term. Our message to Australians is: do not wait until it is too late. Leave now while commercial flights are available.