Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Prime Minister, Senator Abetz. I refer to the Prime Minister's statement of 14 September 2014 announcing Australia's contribution to the international coalition against ISIL, in response to a formal request for assistance from the government of the United States. Can the minister advise the Senate when and in what form this request was received?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am unable, at this stage, to advise the honourable senator as to the form that the request was received, but I am more than happy to take the question on notice. Whilst I am on my feet, I thank the opposition for their bipartisan positioning in this matter. It is a matter of grave concern not only to Australians but to all the world, and the support of the opposition is appreciated.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister for taking that question on notice. I ask that he take the following question as well. Can the minister outline discussions with the new government of Iraq in relation to the international coalition and its mission, including the terms of any request for assistance?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I can indicate that in a recent telephone conversation with the Prime Minister, Prime Minister al-Abadi indicated Iraq would welcome any Australian military contribution to international efforts to help eliminate ISIL. He also noted that the concerted international efforts to fight ISIL will contribute to the stability of Iraq, the region and the world.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. Can the minister update the Senate on the support the Australian government is seeking from the UN Security Council in relation to ISIL?

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As I understand it, and in conferring with my colleague Senator Brandis, who represents the Minister for Foreign Affairs, that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ms Bishop, is at the UN Security Council as we speak and she is seeking to advocate in the cause that I trust all of us in this chamber would be agreed on—that is, that there be decisive international support in matters that are confronting the world in relation to ISIL.