Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Conflict in the Middle East over the past few days has continued to destabilise an already unstable and unpredictable region. Iran has now attacked 10 countries in the region, with missile and drone attacks continuing daily. Minister, can you provide an update on the Albanese Labor government's assessment of the current state of conflict in the Middle East?

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

Thank you, Senator Dolega. Conflict in the Middle East over the past few days has continued to destabilise the region. However, we have had some positive news with confirmation that a plane with more than 200 Australians onboard is on its way from Dubai. However, with 10 countries under attack by Iran, the situation in the Middle East could get even worse, and the conflict is still spreading. Bahrain, Cyprus, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have all been struck by Iran. The US consulate in Dubai, not far from the Australian consulate, has also been attacked, and I can confirm that our personnel across the region are safe and accounted for. I'm also pleased to advise the Senate that Emirates Flight EK414 has taken off from Dubai and is en route to Sydney with more than 200 Australians onboard.

But the government is very clear. We know there are many more thousands of Australians who are in the Middle East and are waiting for flights to come home. This will be a challenging time for many Australians. Travel disruptions could go on for some time. Commercial flights continue to be the fastest way to help Australians leave the Middle East at scale. Of course, the government has been working on contingency planning, and that continues, and DFAT has continued to surge consular capacity to where it is needed. I announced before question time today that we are deploying six crisis response teams to the region over the next 24 hours. These teams will support on-the-ground consular efforts, as our No. 1 priority remains the safety and security of all Australian in the region.

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

Senator Dolega, first supplementary.

Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Minister. As you mentioned, airspace closures and disruptions to travel have been occurring because of the conflict in the Middle East. Like many travellers around the world, Australians have been experiencing flight delays and cancellations. How is the situation evolving for Australians in the region?

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

Our first priority is keeping Australians safe, and we are working around the clock to help Australians who need it. I'm in touch with our partners in the region to engage in efforts to support Australians impacted by travel disruptions. Prime Minister Albanese spoke to the UAE president yesterday, and I also spoke to the UAE Foreign minister, who confirmed that the United Arab Emirates is working hard to facilitate flights, the first of which we have seen take off this morning headed for Sydney.

However, we have seen many flights cancelled and diverted as the situation on the ground and in the air changes. I want to say to Australians that we are engaging closely with airlines and the travel industry through what we know is a challenging period for many Australians. I continue to urge all Australians who are affected to ensure that they keep apprised of the information and travel advice.

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

Senator Dolega, a second supplementary?

Josh Dolega (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Although there have been some positive developments in recent hours, it's said that disruptions could go on for some time. What other actions is the Albanese Labor government taking to support Australians in the region in response to this crisis?

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

This conflict is unlikely to come to immediate resolution. Obviously that has implications for the people of the region, and it has implications for the global economy and therefore for Australians at home as well. Around 20 million barrels of oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz every day—the equivalent of about 20 per cent of the global oil supply. The crisis will obviously have implications for the global economy, including for commercial shipping and energy. I want to make it clear the government are doing all we can to support Australians at this time. Our nation is fuel secure, and we have more fuel than at any time over the last 15 years. I can also indicate, and the Treasurer has indicated publicly, that he's written to the ACCC to ask for their assistance. The government has made clear this crisis should not be an excuse for retailers to gouge customers or to increase prices opportunistically above and beyond the impacts of events in the Middle East.