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

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. Earlier this afternoon, as colleagues would be aware, the Prime Minister—along with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Home Affairs, the director-general of ASIO and the commissioner of the Australian Federal Police—advised Australians of outcomes of investigations into the appalling antisemitic attacks against our Jewish community since the horrific October 7 attacks. Can the minister please update the Senate on the statement that was made by the Prime Minister?

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

Thank you, Senator Ciccone, for the question. We have seen a number of appalling antisemitic attacks against Australia's Jewish community since the horrific October 7 2023 attacks. This government made clear that these attacks have no place in Australia. We also made clear that ASIO and the AFP would investigate as a priority. I can inform the chamber that ASIO has now gathered incredible intelligence to reach the deeply disturbing conclusion that the Iranian government directed at least two of the attacks—the 20 October attack on Lewis' Continental Kitchen, in Sydney, and the 6 December attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.

Iran has sought to undermine the cohesion of our community. Iran has done so with acts of aggression that sought to terrify Australians and put Australian lives in danger. There is no doubt that these extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil have crossed a line. That is why the government has declared Iran's ambassador to Australia persona non grata—as well as three other Iranian officials. This is the first time Australia has expelled an ambassador in the postwar period.

In relation to our embassy in Tehran, where we have had a diplomatic presence since 1968, the government has also taken the step to withdraw Australia's ambassador to Iran. We have suspended the operations of our embassy in Iran for the safety of our officials and for Australia's broader security. I want to publicly acknowledge the DFAT officials who have served at this embassy and their spouses and families for their service and fortitude. The government will also move to legislate to list Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the IRGC, as a terrorist organisation. I want to thank the ASIO director-general and the AFP commissioner for the work they and their teams do to keep Australians safe.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ciccone, first supplementary?

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

I thank the minister for that answer. One of our greatest strengths in Australia is that we are a nation that celebrates cultural diversity as a core element of our national identity. We do so by respecting one another and the right for all of us to feel safe in our communities and places of worship. What action has the Albanese government taken to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish Australians here, in our home?

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

Australians want to retain our character as a nation that welcomes different religions, different races and different views but that remains united in respect for each other's humanity and for each other's right to live in peace. These vile antisemitic acts have cut at the heart of who we are and what we stand for, so we understand the profound pain and sorrow they've caused Jewish Australians.

We established Special Operation Avalite with the Australian Federal Police to combat antisemitism. We've committed funding towards the replacement and restoration of the Torah scrolls at the Adass Israel Synagogue. We've committed funding for security upgrades to current buildings and to restore the synagogue and community centre. This government remains committed to safeguarding our communities and to protecting Australians from hate and from harm. Our message is clear. We stand against antisemitism, and we stand against violence.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Ciccone, second supplementary?

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

It is the case that Iran has been acting with its proxies to destabilise countries in its region and beyond. How has the Albanese government been acting to make clear that Iran's conduct in the international community is unacceptable?

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

The Albanese government has taken stronger action on Iran than any previous Australian government. We have sanctioned 200 Iranian linked persons and entities, including almost 100 IRGC linked individuals and entities. We were at the forefront of efforts to remove Iran from the Commission for the Status of Women. We cosponsored the successful Human Rights Council resolution establishing an independent investigation into human rights violations in Iran. We have long known that Iran and its proxies try to destabilise countries in its region and beyond. I think Iran's dangerous attempts to divide our community underline why the government has been so determined to work to keep our community united. We reject any attempt to smear Australians of Iranian background, just as we do not tolerate antisemitism in this country. We want to make sure that we retain the unity, harmony and respect that defines Australian society.