David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Payne. Can the minister please update the Senate on the matter of Australians who are detained in Iran?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett for his question. I can advise the Senate—and there's been media reporting on this matter—that three Australians are being held in prison in Iran. This is a matter of deep concern to the government, to me personally as foreign minister and, I note, to the people of Australia. There are two separate cases. One involves an Australian woman who has been detained for a number of months. The second concerns a young couple who have been detained now for a number of weeks.

Since they were detained, the Australian government has been pressing the Iranian government for their release. I have communicated with my Iranian counterpart, Foreign Minister Zarif, many times about these cases, including through face-to-face meetings. We met as recently as last week. I will maintain my practice of many years by keeping the contents of my discussions with Foreign Minister Zarif private, but I will say that a central topic of our meetings has been the three Australians. The families of two of the detained Australians have released a statement saying they hope to see their loved ones safely home as soon as possible. The families have no further comment at this time and ask that the media respect their privacy. I know I join others in this place in saying that we, too, hope for a speedy return for these Australians from Iran.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Fawcett, a supplementary question?

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, could you update the Senate on what the Australian government is doing to support these three Australians and their families?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to acknowledge those officials who have been working very hard with me behind the scenes to secure the release of these three Australians. The government have been making efforts to ensure they are treated fairly, humanely and in accordance with international norms. We also continue to provide consular assistance to the three Australians' families, with whom we have maintained regular contact.

On the basis of ongoing discussions, I continue to believe that the best chance of a successful outcome for these three Australians is with Iran, through diplomatic channels, and not through the media. We will always act in the best interest of the Australians and their families.

Scott Ryan (President) | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Fawcett, a final supplementary question?

David Fawcett (SA, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Could the minister update the Senate on any other aspect of these cases?

Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) | Link to this | Hansard source

DFAT officials have had several meetings with the Iranian ambassador in Canberra. Our embassy in Tehran has made repeated representations to very senior Iranians officials in Tehran. Given these conversations and the timing of the arrests, I can say these arrests do not relate to broader issues. We have no reason to think that these arrests are connected to international concerns over Iran's nuclear program, United Nations sanctions or sanctions enforcement, or maritime security and the safety of civilian shipping.

I would finally like to remind Australians of the importance of consulting the DFAT smartraveller website. DFAT's travel advice for Iran is 'reconsider your need to travel'. The highest level, 'do not travel', applies in some parts of the country.