Ellie Whiteaker (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Wong. The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, involving more countries, endangering civilians and creating economic volatility and security threats across the region and beyond. Iran's reprisal attacks are occurring at a scale and depth we have not seen before. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to support Australians affected by the conflict?

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

I thank Senator Whiteaker for that question. It gives me the opportunity to again say in this chamber that the Australian government remains gravely concerned at the escalation and loss of life across the region. I've spoken this week to counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar to express our solidarity and welcome the assistance they have been providing to support Australians in the region.

The Albanese government's No. 1 priority is and always will be to keep Australians safe at home and abroad. I am pleased to report to the Senate that three more flights have returned to Australia today, including one from Qatar, where the air space has been closed due to strikes for some time. More than 3,600 Australians have now returned on 26 commercial flights. Further services are scheduled for the coming days. I want to stress that this could change at short notice.

We are concerned that this conflict could intensify and continue for some time. The security situation is deteriorating and it is likely get worse before it gets better. We urge Australians across the region to follow advice on Smartraveller, including where we recommend not attending Australian missions or surrounding areas. Some missions have had to physically close because of the security situation. For Australians in the region, the government continues to urge you to leave if you can and if it is safe to do so. We know there are over 10,000 Australians in Lebanon and that the situation there is deteriorating. Commercial flights remain the best way to depart the region. We strongly suggest Australians in the Middle East take a seat on a commercial flight if one is available. It may be the last chance for some time. Please do not wait until it is too late. Our advice to other Australians remains: do not travel to most of the Middle East.

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

Senator Whiteaker, first supplementary?

Ellie Whiteaker (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

There are more than 100,000 Australians in the Middle East. Officers from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have been working around the clock to provide support to Australians in the region. What work have those staff in the region been doing to help Australians?

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

I want to take this opportunity to recognise the work of DFAT staff and the crisis response teams who have been supporting Australians throughout the Middle East. Officers of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade are working around the clock in challenging and often volatile circumstances. Nine of our posts have experienced missile and drone attacks. Some debris has fallen within a few hundred metres of our missions. Many of our staff are sleeping or attempting to sleep in bomb shelters or basements with dozens of others. Ambassadors are working many hours and very lengthy days to arrange travel for Australians—particularly when airspace was closed. One of our ambassadors speaks of telling her young children that the sound of air defence interceptors being deployed is a good sound because it means they are being kept safe. We have many weary but proud Australian representatives are supporting each other to do the best they can for Australians, and I thank them.

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

Senator Whiteaker, second supplementary?

Ellie Whiteaker (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister. I think we all thank them for that really important work. The conflict in the Middle East is also causing economic disruption around the world, particularly with regard to oil prices and fuel supply. What is the Albanese Labor government doing to ensure Australians have access to the fuel that they need?

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

The International Energy Agency has said that the challenge facing the world oil market is unprecedented. We know the impact on fuel prices, supply chains and inflation will continue. I spoke to the Saudi Foreign minister today—including about what Saudi Arabia is doing to increase its contribution to global oil supply. Minister Bowen has today directed more fuels into the Australian market, meaning that more of the fuel made in Australia will stay in Australia. The National Coordination Mechanism is bringing industry, states, territories and partners together so that fuel can reach those who need it.

The government has also been clear with industry that this is an international crisis, not a commercial opportunity. It is also not a political opportunity for those opposite. The coalition might have realised after the last few months that not everything is a political opportunity for them to seek to exploit. I would say to the coalition that it is time to learn something about putting the national interest above your own political interest. We for our part will keep working in the national interest. (Time expired)