John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is directed to Senator Coonan in her capacity as the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Is the minister aware of reported comments from former Chief of the Defence Force Peter Cosgrove that it is ‘pretty obvious’ that the ‘protracted war’ in Iraq is energising the global jihadist movement? Does the government agree with General Cosgrove that the war in Iraq has served to motivate terrorists across the globe? When will the government be making a full statement to parliament on the security situation in Iraq and whether there is now any prospect at all for peace or stability in that country?