00:01This is a perilous and unpredictable time in the Middle East and over the past 24 hours
00:07the conflict in the region has escalated and expanded.
00:10On a single day, on a single day, the 2nd of March, Iran filed missiles or drones at
00:17nine countries in the region.
00:21The Deputy Prime Minister has confirmed that this included Al-Minhard facility, which is
00:26used by Australian troops.
00:28We can confirm that all ADF personnel and embassies and deployed throughout the region
00:33are safe and accounted for.
00:35Iran has launched attacks on Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
00:41and the UAE, including a drone attack as far as a UK military base in Cyprus and the Eastern
00:47Mediterranean.
00:48We condemn these reckless attacks by Iran, including against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
00:54The regime is also threatening to attack vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, jeopardising
00:59global oil supplies and shipments.
01:01We call on Iran to cease these actions.
01:04The Albanese government has made clear that it supports actions to prevent Iran from obtaining
01:09a nuclear weapon and to prevent Iran from continuing to threaten international peace and security.
01:15The Iranian regime has shown in recent days why it remains a threat to peace and stability
01:21in the region and its violence risks further destabilising an already volatile region.
01:26We do not want to see further regional escalation.
01:30We urge the protection of civilian life.
01:32We call for adherence to international humanitarian law and we stand with the brave people of Iran.
01:41The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in the closure of air space throughout most
01:45of the region.
01:47Australians, like many travellers around the world, are experiencing flight delays and cancellations.
01:52What is the situation for Australians in the region?
01:54Mr Wong.
01:56Thank you, Senator and thank you, President.
01:59Typically around 11,000 Australians a day travel through the region.
02:0511,000 every day.
02:07The majority through the United Arab Emirates.
02:10The situation is unprecedented, because in this crisis it is the hubs that we would usually
02:16rely on in a crisis that are in crisis, rather than being the solution.
02:22The number of affected Australians dwarfs any consular operation the Department of
02:26Foreign Affairs and Trade has ever conducted. This morning I spoke with the UAE Deputy Prime
02:34Minister and Foreign Minister to express our solidarity. I thanked him for supporting
02:39Australians impacted by travel disruptions, including the UAE's provision of accommodation
02:43and meals for Australians. UAE and airlines are working hard to put flights on for travellers
02:49when safe to do so. We will continue to work with airlines in the region to support Australians.
02:56Thank you. It is a relief to hear that some flights have been able to depart, but
03:05Minister, as has been said, most of the airspace remains closed. The travel advice for most of
03:11the region is currently do not travel. What is the Albanese Labor Government doing to support
03:16Australians in the region? I am advised, as you said, that a small number of commercial flights
03:24to other destinations were able to depart overnight. However, the unfortunate reality is that an
03:31immediate resolution to this situation is unlikely. Many Australians are also having issues with travel
03:37insurance claims and exclusions in their policies for conflict situations. Australians are looking to
03:46their insurance providers for certainty in uncertain times. I am pleased that the Assistant Treasurer has
03:52been working closely with insurance providers through this crisis. We welcome the Insurance Council of
03:57Australia today, declaring the conflict in the Middle East a significant event. The government will
04:02continue to press Australia's insurers to do the right thing by Australians facing disruption. Our
04:08priority, as I have said, is keeping Australians safe. We have activated the crisis centre, opened a
04:14registration portal for Australians in Israel, Iran, the UAE and Qatar, and we urge Australians to follow
04:20the smart traveller for the latest advice.
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