Federal politics live: Marles confirms Australians 'safe' after drone strike on Middle East ADF base
The latest developments in federal politics, as Defence Minister Richard Marles assures Australians of their safety following a drone strike on an ADF base in the Middle East.
Marles, speaking to the ABC's News Breakfast, confirmed that all Australians at the Al Minhad Air Base, located just outside Dubai, are 'safe and accounted for'. The base, used by the Australian Defence Force, was hit by a drone strike over the weekend.
Marles declined to provide details about the strike, citing ongoing security concerns. He emphasized that all Australians are safe and accounted for, with no injuries reported.
The incident comes as the government faces criticism for not offering sufficient warnings to Australians before the conflict broke out in the Middle East. Assistant Foreign Minister Matt Thistlethwaite defended the government's actions, citing 41 travel advice updates since the beginning of the year.
Thistlethwaite also addressed the legality of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stating that the government upholds international law and makes decisions based on the best interests of Australia and the international community. He added that Australia's position is not an outlier, as countries like Canada and the United Kingdom have similar stances.
The government is working on contingencies to bring Australians home from the Middle East, with an estimated 115,000 Australians currently in the region. Marles assured that commercial flights will be the most expeditious way for people to return once the airspace reopens.
The situation in the Middle East has also sparked controversy over public mourning of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned these plans, stating that they are inappropriate. The opposition has suggested that these events could be in breach of the law, with Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson calling for an investigation by the federal police.
The conflict in the Middle East has also led to discussions about Australia's role and the potential economic impacts. Marles acknowledged the challenges of the situation, stating that the government is taking it 'a day at a time' and focusing on keeping Australians safe and informed.
