Luke Simpkins (Cowan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the Western world, we know the dangers and the imminent threat that a nuclear armed Iran represents. Iran is not a real democracy, and its ruling elite, with a nuclear missile, poses a severe threat to the safety of the world, to the Middle East and to the state of Israel, a democracy that Iran's leadership has said it would wipe off the map. That is why Australia must send a clear and firm message to Iran.

Today, the Australian newspaper has a report about the federal government sending two envoys to the Non-Aligned Movement conference in Tehran, the capital of Iran. That represents an endorsement of the Iranian regime and gives an unwarranted legitimacy to that regime, and all for the pursuit of a seat on the Security Council. I say to the government that the price is too high. Don't do it. And I hope that the member for Melbourne Ports will also rise to speak against this.

So far we have had a pretty good relationship—a pretty good stand on Iran. We have been very clear. But what this means is a step back. This means that the message becomes equivocal. What we should be doing is making a firm stand: not having anybody at that conference—not giving any oxygen to the regime in Tehran. And also we should make sure that our sanctions are consistent and take up those sanctions against the Iranian central bank, which is all part of the regime in Iran. So I call upon the government to make these changes and I say: do not send anyone to that conference.