Raff Ciccone (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator. It's worth acknowledging, on the record—when we talk about the hypocrisy of those opposite, who come into this place and want to blame the government for the current crisis—that there are a lot of levers that governments have. I acknowledge that. But there are also international things that we, like every other country around the world, are managing. It is a conflict that none of us want to see, but it's one that we have to acknowledge exists.

And it is one where we need to back our friends and allies, like the United States and Israel, because, without a government in Tehran that is sponsoring terrorism around the world—let's not forget that there were at least two terrorist attacks that occurred on Australian soil, and they continue to funnel funds to terrorist organisations not just here in Australia but around the world, exporting this terror and hate. This is the real, core reason why we are dealing with this crisis before us. It is good to see Australia siding with our friends, with our partners, like the United Arab Emirates, and sending military assistance to help our friends when they need it most. I am not going to remain silent in this place and allow those on the crossbench in particular to criticise this government for its actions in defending that crisis. Let's also remember the work we are doing— (Time expired)