Matter of Public Importance

Middle East

Senate · Tuesday 10 March 2026

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

At a glance

The debate centred on the government's decision to deploy an E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and personnel to the Gulf region for defensive purposes, alongside new visa restrictions for Iranians. The Australian Greens moved a matter of public importance urging the government to rule out military deployment, arguing it constituted involvement in an illegal war. Government members defended the actions as necessary for protecting Australian nationals and regional stability, while opposition and crossbench members criticised the move as escalation and hypocrisy regarding refugee policy. The motion was defeated in a division.

Outcome

The motion was defeated in a division with 10 votes in favour and 27 against.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Nick McKim (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens

McKim argued that the government was misleading the public by claiming deployments were purely defensive, asserting they would facilitate further strikes on Iran. McKim contended that Australia was being drawn into another conflict based on false premises, similar to the Iraq war. The senator highlighted the contradiction between granting asylum to Iranian football players while introducing legislation to block other Iranians from entering Australia. McKim called for an end to military engagement and AUKUS in favour of an independent foreign policy.

Opposition response

James Paterson (VIC) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Paterson criticised the Greens for weaponising foreign conflicts for domestic political gain, citing previous election results as evidence of voter rejection of their stance. Paterson argued that the Iranian regime deserved no defence due to its history of human rights abuses and sponsorship of terrorism, including attacks on Australian soil. The senator asserted that Australia was not a party to the conflict and that the Greens were peddling misinformation about Australia's involvement. Paterson emphasised that the government's actions were sensible and necessary given the threat posed by Iran.

Larissa Waters (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Waters moved the motion, arguing that the government was acting as a deputy to the United States in an illegal war. Waters contended that Australia was becoming complicit in war crimes by sending weapons and personnel, contrary to public opinion. The senator criticised the simultaneous introduction of visa restrictions for Iranians as morally bankrupt.
Corinne Mulholland (QLD) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Mulholland stated that the government's priority was protecting the 115,000 Australians in the Middle East, particularly those in the UAE. Mulholland clarified that deployments were defensive only, involving an E-7A Wedgetail to support regional partners. The senator highlighted consular support measures and the granting of humanitarian visas to Iranian football players as evidence of the government's commitment to safety and human rights.
Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Hodgins-May focused on the human cost of the conflict, citing reports of civilian deaths including schoolgirls. The senator argued that Australia was deepening its involvement in an illegal war while profiting from weapons manufacturers. Hodgins-May condemned the government for blocking visas for people fleeing the violence it was helping to sustain.
Lisa Darmanin (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Darmanin reiterated that Australia was not taking offensive action but deploying defensive capabilities to protect nationals. Darmanin detailed the scale of Iranian attacks on the region and the disruption to air travel. The senator explained that the Wedgetail deployment would provide surveillance and early warning, operating under Australian directives for four weeks.
Penny Allman-Payne (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Allman-Payne accused the government of using doublespeak to justify military involvement while ignoring Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The senator highlighted the inconsistency of supporting asylum for some Iranians while blocking others through new visa laws. Allman-Payne argued that the government's actions demonstrated a lack of moral consistency regarding civilian protection.
Barbara Pocock (SA) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Pocock warned that the deployment marked the beginning of a forever war, drawing parallels to Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The senator argued that the conflict primarily benefited defence corporations while civilians suffered. Pocock called for the withdrawal of support for the war and the termination of AUKUS.

Votes during this debate

Division 15: Middle East Not passed 10–27

Opened by

Nick McKim (TAS) (Australian Greens)

Greens

Speeches

9 speeches, 6 other contributors

Topics

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.