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

I thank Senator Whiteaker for that question. It gives me the opportunity to again say in this chamber that the Australian government remains gravely concerned at the escalation and loss of life across the region. I've spoken this week to counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar to express our solidarity and welcome the assistance they have been providing to support Australians in the region.

The Albanese government's No. 1 priority is and always will be to keep Australians safe at home and abroad. I am pleased to report to the Senate that three more flights have returned to Australia today, including one from Qatar, where the air space has been closed due to strikes for some time. More than 3,600 Australians have now returned on 26 commercial flights. Further services are scheduled for the coming days. I want to stress that this could change at short notice.

We are concerned that this conflict could intensify and continue for some time. The security situation is deteriorating and it is likely get worse before it gets better. We urge Australians across the region to follow advice on Smartraveller, including where we recommend not attending Australian missions or surrounding areas. Some missions have had to physically close because of the security situation. For Australians in the region, the government continues to urge you to leave if you can and if it is safe to do so. We know there are over 10,000 Australians in Lebanon and that the situation there is deteriorating. Commercial flights remain the best way to depart the region. We strongly suggest Australians in the Middle East take a seat on a commercial flight if one is available. It may be the last chance for some time. Please do not wait until it is too late. Our advice to other Australians remains: do not travel to most of the Middle East.