Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Minister Wong. The conflict in the Middle East continues, with ongoing disruptions for travel for more than 100,000 Australians in the region. Can you tell us what the Albanese Labor government is doing to support Australians impacted by the conflict.

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

I thank Senator Cox for that question. Before I turn to it, could I take the indulgence of welcoming the four Pacific fellows sitting in the press gallery, who have been supported to visit Australia by the Australian government through the Australia Awards Fellowships program. They are from Fiji, PNG and Vanuatu. Welcome to the Senate.

Honourable senators: Hear, hear!

In relation to your question, Senator Cox, I can inform the Senate that Iran's reprisal attacks continue at a scale and depth that we have not seen before. At least nine cities in which we have Australian embassies and consulates have experienced missile and drone attacks. Our missions in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Tel Aviv have all had to physically close in the last week. We urge Australians to follow advice on Smartraveller, including where we recommend not attending these missions or surrounding areas. The government's No. 1 priority is to keep Australians safe at home and abroad. The dangerous and destabilising attacks by Iran put civilian lives at risk, including Australian lives, and we continue to support Australians affected as limited commercial flights resume and we expand consular efforts.

As of today, more than 3,200 Australians have returned on 23 commercial flights. There will be further scheduled services in coming days. Commercial flights remain the fastest option for Australians to leave the Middle East. Major airlines have extended their refund and rebooking windows to assist passengers whose flights have been impacted. We encourage all Australians to leave the region if possible. Please take a seat on a commercial flight if one is available. It may be the last chance for some time. This conflict is likely to intensify and continue in the near term. Our message to Australians is: do not wait until it is too late. Leave now while commercial flights are available.

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

Senator Cox, first supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In recent days, we've also seen an escalation of conflict in Lebanon. Minister, what is the Albanese Labor government's response and what is the advice for Australians in Lebanon?

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

As I have said, Australia is deeply concerned by the expansion of the conflict into Lebanon, the loss of life and the displacement of more than 750,000 civilians. This is exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Australia condemns Hezbollah's strikes on Israel, and we support Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah in line with previous agreements. I have been clear for some days that we do not wish to see Israel conduct a major ground offensive in Lebanon. We also welcome the emergency debate in the Security Council taking place later today. We call on all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians. To the some 15,000 Australians in Lebanon, we urge you to leave now if it is safe to do so. Repeating my earlier messages, if you can secure a commercial flight and travel to the airport safely, please do so before it is too late.

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

Senator Cox, second supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The conflict in the Middle East is also causing economic disruption around the world. Can you please provide an update to the chamber on the Albanese Labor government's work to safeguard Australia's fuel supply?

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

We understand Australians are concerned about access to fuel. We are not immune to the effect of oil prices on the global economy. As Minister Ayres said, petrol companies are telling us that fuel stock continues to arrive as expected and on time, but there has been a large change in the pattern of demand, and that is having an effect on the supply, particularly in regional communities. We've seen jerry cans coming off the shelves at Bunnings and lines at the pump.

The government has been clear that retailers should not use this period as an opportunity for price gouging. The National Farmers' Federation, Fertilizer Australia, the petroleum industry and the peak group of service stations told Minister Bowen yesterday that we needed to encourage Australians not to panic buy. Yet what we see from the coalition, from Senators Cash and Canavan this morning and again from Senator Colbeck, is really nothing short of irresponsible—winding up people and stoking fear. I demonstrates—

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

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

You won't listen to the NFF. Where are the responsible adults on that side?

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

The time for answering has expired. Senator Canavan, first of all, congratulations on your election. We'll go to your question.