Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) expresses its deep concern that the Government is unable to rule out Australia's involvement in the recent air strikes in Mosul which caused the deaths of more than 200 civilians, well over a week after the incident;

(b) calls on the Government to confirm by 5 pm on 29 March 2017 whether or not Australian command and control aircraft or other assets are implicated in the air strikes; and

(c) expresses its sincere condolences to families and friends of the civilians who were killed in this appalling strike.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This is a complex and difficult campaign against a desperate opponent in Daesh, in a strongly contested urban area. An investigation is underway into the 17 March 2017 air strike, and Australia will work with the coalition-led investigation. The government takes allegations of civilian casualties very seriously. I am advised that Australian strike aircraft were not involved in the air strike. Operational records show that Australian E-7A Wedgetail did not fly on 17 March 2017 and that the Australian KC-30A did not refuel the aircraft involved in the air strike. Further, while the investigation is underway, it is inappropriate and unhelpful to speculate on the outcome.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Ludlam be agreed to.