John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I have some further information in relation to a question that was asked of me by former Senator Lightfoot at the end of the last sitting period, and I seek leave to incorporate that in Hansard.

Leave granted.

The document read as follows—

Question asked by Senator Lightfoot of Senator Faulkner, 26 June 2008, regarding travel advisories for Kurdistan:

The current level and content of the travel advice for Iraq is based on the best assessments of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

DFAT’s travel advisories are designed to provide information to all Australians—including those who do not have the benefit of special security arrangements provided by their hosts or by private security firms.

There is still a significant threat from terrorist groups across Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region. Terrorist attacks are indiscriminate, occurring without warning anywhere and at any time in Iraq. There is also still a significant threat on major roads in Iraq from improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and there are ongoing threats to civilian contractors.

The travel advice for Iraq also notes that due to the difficult security environment, the Australian Embassy’s ability to provide consular and passport services is limited, particularly outside Baghdad.

The information on Avian Influenza is standard language in all travel advisories where the WHO has confirmed human cases or deaths. We consult closely with the Department of Health and Ageing (DOHA) on all Avian Influenza matters.