Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. The current conflict in the Middle East is making an already unstable region even more unstable and unpredictable. Over the last 24 hours, Iran has expanded its attacks across the region, with missile and drone attacks reported against multiple countries. What is the Albanese Labor government's assessment of the current state of conflict in the Middle East and what are the risks of further escalation?

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

Thank you, Senator Darmanin, for the question. I know that you and so many members of this place and the other place have many constituents, and relatives of constituents, who are very concerned about what is happening and the situation particularly for the travellers who have not been able to leave the UAE and other ports. This is a perilous and unpredictable time in the Middle East, and over the past 24 hours the conflict in the region has escalated and expanded. On a single day, 2 March, Iran fired missiles or drones at nine countries in the region. The Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that this included the Al Minhad facility, which is used by Australian troops. We can confirm that all ADF personnel at embassies and deployed throughout the region are safe and accounted for. Iran has launched attacks on Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, including a drone attack as far away as a UK military base in Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. We condemn these reckless attacks by Iran, including against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

The regime is also threatening to attack vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardising global oil supplies and shipments. We call on Iran to cease these actions. The Albanese government has made clear that it supports actions to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security. The Iranian regime has shown in recent days why it remains a threat to peace and stability in the region, and its violence risks further destabilising an already volatile region. We do not want to see further regional escalation. We urge the protection of civilian life, we call for adherence to international humanitarian law, and we stand with the brave people of Iran.

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

Senator Darmanin, first supplementary.

Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in the closure of airspace throughout most of the region. Australians, like many travellers around the world, are experiencing flight delays and cancellations. What is the situation for Australians in the region?

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

Thank you, Senator. Typically around 11,000 Australians a day travel through the region—11,000 every day—the majority through the United Arab Emirates. The situation is unprecedented, because in this crisis it is the hubs that we would usually rely on in a crisis that are in crisis rather than being the solution. The number of affected Australians dwarfs any consular operation that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has ever conducted. This morning I spoke with the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister to express our solidarity. I thanked him for supporting Australians who are impacted by travel disruptions, including the UAE's provision of accommodation and meals for Australians. The UAE and airlines are working hard to put flights on for travellers when safe to do so. We will continue to work with airlines in the region to support Australians.

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

Senator Darmanin, second supplementary.

Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is a relief to hear that some flights have been able to depart, but Minister, as has been said, most of the airspace remains closed, and the travel advice for most of the region is currently 'Do not travel.' What is the Albanese Labor government doing to support Australians in the region?

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

I am advised that, as you said, Senator, a small number of commercial flights to other destinations were able to depart overnight. However, the unfortunate reality is that an immediate resolution to this situation is unlikely. Many Australians are also having issues with travellers insurance claims and exclusions in their policies for conflict situations. Australians are looking to their insurance providers for certainty in uncertain times. I'm pleased that the Assistant Treasurer has been working closely with insurance providers through this crisis, and we welcome the Insurance Council of Australia today declaring the conflict in the Middle East a significant event. The government will continue to press Australia's insurers to do the right thing by Australians who are facing disruption. Our priority, as I have said, is keeping Australians safe. We have activated the crisis centre and opened a registration portal for Australians in Israel, Iran, the UAE and Qatar, and we urge Australians to follow Smartraveller for the latest advice.