Middle East

Shoebridge argued that the US and Israeli attacks were illegal and that the Labor government was wrongly supporting them. Shoebridge claimed that Australian facilities at Pine Gap and North West Cape were being used to target Iran, resulting in civilian deaths including schoolchildren. Shoebridge moved an amendment calling for the withdrawal of support for the war and the cessation of intelligence assistance from Australian bases.

McKenzie supported the motion, praising the efforts to prevent Iranian nuclear capability and condemning the regime's repression of women and minorities. McKenzie criticised the Foreign Minister for treating the opposition like schoolchildren and for delaying the debate. McKenzie argued that the death of Khamenei marked a potential turning point for freedom in Iran.

Hanson supported the motion, stating that the Iranian people were celebrating the end of decades of oppression. Hanson criticised the Labor government for being caught off guard and for not supporting the motion. Hanson argued that the strikes were necessary to restore democracy and liberty to Iran.

Waters condemned the bombing campaign as illegal and harmful to civilians, particularly women and children. Waters argued that the Labor government had abandoned its principles by supporting the strikes. Waters called for an independent foreign policy and for the government to rule out further Australian support for the war.

Thorpe argued that the strikes violated international law and set a dangerous precedent for global stability. Thorpe highlighted the loss of innocent lives, including children and hospital patients, and questioned whether major parties had abandoned their international obligations.

Duniam supported the motion, citing the oppression of women, minorities, and protesters in Iran. Duniam shared a list of individuals facing execution under the regime to illustrate the urgency of the situation. Duniam argued that decisive action was necessary to free the Iranian people from an evil regime.

Roberts read an email from an Iranian-Australian constituent expressing joy at Khamenei's death but concern about the ideology of the IRGC in Australia. Roberts argued that the government needed to distinguish between moderate Muslims and those who support extremist ideologies. Roberts emphasised the need to protect Australian security and values.

Paterson supported the motion, agreeing with the government on the need to degrade Iran's nuclear and missile programs. Paterson criticised the Foreign Minister for not moving a government motion and for focusing on a wedge issue regarding One Nation instead. Paterson argued that the Senate should express solidarity with the Iranian diaspora and Jewish Australians.

Ayres criticised the conduct of the debate, arguing that it was divisive and distracted from important issues like Closing the Gap. Ayres condemned the rhetoric used by some senators as un-Australian and harmful to social cohesion. Ayres moved that the motion be put, expressing despair at the partisan conflict.

Sharma argued that military action was necessary and justified after diplomacy failed. Sharma highlighted the regime's repression of protesters and the hope expressed by Iranians for a better future. Sharma criticised the government for not preparing the public for the risks of the conflict.

Faruqi condemned the war as illegal and imperialist, arguing that the US and Israel could not be trusted to promote human rights. Faruqi highlighted the death toll among civilians, including schoolgirls, and called for diplomatic solutions. Faruqi argued that abandoning international law leads to destruction.

Gallagher requested that subsection (a) of the motion be voted on separately, indicating that the government would vote differently on that part compared to the rest of the motion.