Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

First of all, I ask that the name of Senator Moore be added to the motion.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

So added.

Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senators Wong and Moore, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the sixth anniversary of the civil war in Syria,

(ii) the conflict's tragic cost in human lives, with estimates being upwards of 470,000,

(iii) the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria, with over half of all Syrians having been forced from their homes since the start of the conflict in 2011, and at least 13.5 million Syrians in need of assistance, and

(iv) the ongoing strain on Syria's neighbours with Syrian refugee populations displaced mainly in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq;

(b) acknowledges the ongoing contribution of the international community and civil society in responding to the Syrian conflict and humanitarian crisis with great compassion; and

(c) urges the Government to continue to work with the international community towards a long-term and sustainable solution in Syria, aimed at stabilising the region and restoring lasting peace and security for the civilian population.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a brief statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens will be supporting this motion, and we welcome the opposition bringing it forward. I just want to point out the rather inconsistent way in which foreign policy, defence and national security motions are dealt with in this place. I think it is worthwhile pointing out the rather uneven and patchy way in which foreign policy motions are dealt with in here. We welcome this motion coming forward, and I do not want to detract from its importance and its significance given the magnitude of the disaster unfolding in Syria, but leave has been granted by everybody, and I hope that that courtesy is extended to the crossbench and indeed to anyone in here wanting to raise a foreign policy matter or a defence matter in formal business.

Question agreed to.