Question Time AU

Matter of Public Importance

Middle East

Senate · Tuesday 3 March 2026

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

At a glance

The Senate debated a motion declaring that US and Israeli attacks on Iran violated international law and that Australia was complicit by allowing its bases to support the conflict. The Australian Greens moved the motion, arguing the government was avoiding accountability for its role in an illegal war. The Liberal Party and Labor Party opposed the motion, citing the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, state-sponsored terrorism, and nuclear threats as justification for the strikes. The debate concluded with the motion being put to the Senate.

Outcome

The motion was put to the Senate.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens

Shoebridge argued that the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran was illegal and that Australia breached international law by permitting its military bases to facilitate the war. Shoebridge criticised the government for failing to condemn the conflict while simultaneously highlighting Russian violations in Ukraine, describing this as an avoidance strategy driven by fear of offending allies. Shoebridge asserted that Australian Defence Force personnel were involved in frontline duties and that the Pine Gap facility was actively used for targeting, contrary to government claims. Shoebridge called for transparency regarding Australia's direct participation in the conflict.

Opposition response

James Paterson (VIC) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Paterson argued that the Iranian regime had committed significant crimes against its own people, including the repression of minorities and the killing of protesters during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. Paterson cited intelligence assessments linking the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to state-sponsored terrorist attacks on Australian soil, specifically targeting the Jewish community. Paterson noted that the Iranian diaspora in Australia largely welcomed the strikes as a removal of a despotic regime. Paterson contended that the degradation of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs was a necessary outcome for regional security.