Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

Middle East

Senate · Wednesday 11 March 2026

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

At a glance

Senators from the Australian Greens debated the Foreign Minister's response to questions regarding Australia's military status in the Middle East. Both speakers argued that the government failed to provide a direct answer on whether Australia was at war with Iran, characterising the response as evasive. They contended that Australia's involvement was driven by alignment with the United States rather than independent national interest. The debate concluded with the question being agreed to.

Outcome

The question was agreed to.

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 moved that the Senate take note of the Foreign Minister's answer regarding Australia's war status. Shoebridge argued that the Minister failed to directly address whether Australia was at war, instead referencing collective self-defence and regional actors. Shoebridge contended that this evasion demonstrated a lack of sovereignty and an over-reliance on United States foreign policy decisions. Shoebridge asserted that Australia was effectively at war due to commitments under the AUKUS pact and called for an end to that agreement to restore independent foreign policy.