Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. At a protest rally against Israel in Sydney earlier this month that was attended by a number of state MPs, one of the attendees was proudly holding a large portrait of the dictator Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holding a rifle. Given your recent action to expel the Iranian ambassador and list the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation due to their deliberate attacks on the Australian community, including the horrific firebombing of the Adass synagogue in Melbourne, can the government advise Australians on whether they are aware of any involvement of the IRGC or its operatives in attending, encouraging or fuelling these protests in Australia?

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

Thank you for that question, Senator Cadell. Yes, I did see those images, and I found them deeply disturbing. I again remind all Australians, including those who care very deeply about what is happening in Gaza, of the role that Iran has played and continues to play in the region. One can advocate for a ceasefire and for humanitarian law to be observed without aligning one's rhetoric with a regime which, frankly, has been repressive, murderous and a destabilising force in the region.

Opposition Senator:

An opposition senator interjecting—

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

Sorry—have I got a question?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It was a comment.

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

I respect the way in which Senator Cadell asked that question. This is a serious set of events in Australia. It deserves a serious response. I was pleased when I saw Ms Ley talk about the need for bipartisanship on this. I would invite her colleagues to perhaps reflect on whether or not their approach in trying to find some political differentiation on an issue like this is an appropriate one for a party of government.

Senator, it is the case that we know that the IRGC around the world has engaged in foreign influence and foreign interference in different democracies. We have seen that. I will leave it to the Director-General of ASIO to outline any further what is appropriate to put in the public arena. That is one of the reasons why it's so important for all of us to stand against foreign interference. That's why, on a bipartisan basis, we passed, when we were in opposition, foreign interference laws. It's why we have international security agencies which are there to keep Australians safe. (Time expired)

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

Senator Cadell, first supplementary?

Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given we now have had a foreign power promoting violent attacks on our community in Australia, will the AFP, ASIO or other security agencies be given extra resources to ensure this doesn't happen again, or have they asked for them?

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

(—) (): You might be aware from previous answers that we have put more resources into the fight against antisemitism. We also have a joint police taskforce, Special Operation Avalite, which the commissioner has given evidence about at estimates and in other fora. We have put additional funding into security for Jewish schools and institutions. But what we want is an Australia where that is not necessary. What we want is an Australia where Jewish Australians feel and are safe, where all Australians feel and are safe, and that means that all of us have to stand against prejudice in all its forms. All of us should stand against antisemitism. All of us should advocate for the inclusion and the respect that defines the Australian democracy. (Time expired)

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

Senator Cadell, second supplementary?

Ross Cadell (NSW, National Party, Shadow Minister for Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

ASIO linked the Sydney and Melbourne attacks to the government in Tehran directly. What new protections beyond yesterday's announcement will be in place for Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses?

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

I think the director-general indicated there were continued investigations into other matters. Obviously, I can't pre-empt those in this forum. What I can say to you is that there are a number of things we have done in relation to antisemitism. We've established, as I said, Special Operation Avalite to combat antisemitism. We have imposed counter-terrorism sanctions on Terrorgram. We have banned the Nazi salute and hate symbols. We have passed legislation to criminalise—

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

Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator McKenzie?

Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I have point of order on direct relevance. Whilst I appreciate the comprehensive nature of Senator Wong's answer about actions the government has taken, Senator Cadell's question was very direct and was about what new actions the government is putting forward beyond yesterday's announcement to protect Jewish schools, synagogues and businesses.

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

Thank you, Senator McKenzie. The minister is being directly relevant to the question. Minister Wong.

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

My very next point was that we've committed $57.5 million for improved safety and security at Jewish sites across the country, including schools and synagogues. Obviously, my assumption is that that's over the forward estimates period in addition to existing programs, so that will continue to flow. The government has also committed $1.2 million for security upgrades to current buildings and $30 million to restore the Adass Israel Synagogue and community centre. (Time expired)