David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Minister Wong, as you would know better than anyone in this place, the protests in Iran have been largely suppressed by a brutal crackdown. Thousands have been killed and a communications blackout has been in place. From the images, recordings and accounts that have made it out so far—some verified, others not—the deliberate, unrestrained and savage targeting of civilians by government forces is hard to adequately describe. Huge concerns have been expressed by members of the Iranian community here in Canberra, across the country and, more generally, amongst people in the community who are concerned about what they are seeing. Please can you outline the steps the Australian government has taken and is contemplating taking in response to this crisis?

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

Thank you, Senator Pocock. First, Australia condemns the Iranian government's violent crackdown on its own people. We, along with others, call on Iran to protect and respect the rights of its citizens. The killing of protesters, the use of force, arbitrary arrests, the blackouts of telecommunications: all of these repressive measures must stop. I have said, and I say again, Australia stands with the brave people of Iran in their struggle against oppression.

We have taken strong action to hold the Iranian regime to account, and that action has included sanctions on some 200 Iran linked people and entities, including almost 100 IRGC linked individuals and entities. We have strengthened our sanctions framework in order to target those involved in oppression inside Iran, including against women and girls. Again, I publicly salute the courage of Iranian women and girls in particular. We were at the forefront of efforts to remove Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women, and we co-sponsored a successful Human Rights Council resolution at establishing an independent investigation into human rights violations.

I also want to talk about the role of Iran in our society. We will not allow Iran or any nation to undermine the safety of Australians, and we will not allow Iran or any nation to sew division in the Australian community. You will have seen we took unprecedented diplomatic action in response to the attacks on the Australian Jewish community— (Time expired)

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

Senator Pocock, first supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given the near total shutdown of the internet and mobile phone calls in Iran, with intermittent calls only returning in recent days, please could you outline the support that the government is providing Australian Iranian communities to reach loved ones and seek information updates about what is happening in the country?

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

My thoughts are with the Australian Iranian community at this time. I anticipate that I speak for the chamber in saying that our thoughts are with the Australian Iranian community. Australian Iranians who have family members in Iran, who are observing or seeing or reading some of the horrific news which is coming out of Iran—that is incredibly, extremely distressing for the community. That distress is compounded by the telecommunications blackout, which means people haven't been able to contact loved ones and relatives to check up on their welfare. I'm advised that the Department of Home Affairs continues to engage with the Iranian diaspora community regarding this concerning situation, and that work will continue.

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

Senator Pocock, second supplementary?

David Pocock (ACT, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. Will Australia commit to doing more to pressure the Iranian regime, including expanding targeted human rights sanctions, speaking up publicly, providing visa assistance to families of those here in Australia and coordinating with allies for stronger action to support the Iranian people?

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

We have done those things, Senator Pocock. We will continue to do so.