Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

International Relations: Australia and Iran

Senate · Wednesday 27 August 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate centred on the Albanese government's decision to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation and declare the Iranian ambassador persona non grata following antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Opposition members argued that the government had ignored warnings from a 2023 Senate inquiry and intelligence agencies for over two years, characterising the delay as weak leadership that endangered communities. Government senators defended their record, citing strategic sanctions and diplomatic pressure applied prior to the recent escalation, while urging unity against division. The motion was debated without a vote.

Outcome

The matter was debated as a Matter of Public Importance; no vote was taken.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Claire Chandler (TAS) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Chandler argued that the government delayed acting on the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee's February 2023 recommendation to list the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. Chandler stated that the Attorney-General's Department had prepared listing documents in January 2023 but halted the process, claiming the IRGC was a state organ. Chandler contended that this inaction persisted despite the October 2023 attacks on Israel and subsequent IRGC-linked incidents in Bondi and Melbourne, putting lives at risk. Chandler welcomed the eventual listing but emphasised that the delay was dangerous and ignored bipartisan calls for legislative change.

Government response

Jana Stewart (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Stewart stated that the government acted based on credible ASIO intelligence linking the Iranian government to antisemitic attacks on Australian soil. Stewart highlighted that the government had previously sanctioned 200 Iranian-linked entities and led international efforts to isolate the regime, including removing Iran from the Commission on the Status of Women. Stewart argued that the recent measures, including suspending embassy operations and expelling diplomats, were necessary to safeguard national security and community cohesion. Stewart urged senators to avoid political division and support unity in protecting Australians from hate.

Opposition response

Leah Blyth (SA) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Blyth argued that the IRGC is a global exporter of terror that funds groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, posing a direct threat to democratic societies. Blyth claimed the government's failure to list the IRGC earlier emboldened extremists and contributed to a rise in antisemitism, leaving Jewish communities feeling unsafe. Blyth criticised the Prime Minister's foreign policy as hesitant and weak, particularly regarding support for Israel and responses to pro-Palestinian protests. Blyth asserted that the coalition had consistently called for decisive action to close legal loopholes and signal that state-sponsored terror would not be tolerated.