Anne McEwen (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Gallacher, I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 11 May 2016:

The partial suspension of sanctions against Iran, with particular reference to:

(a) the nature and scope of public consultation prior to the making of the Autonomous Sanctions (Suspension of Sanctions—Iran) Instrument 2016, the Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons—Iran) Amendment List 2016, and the Autonomous Sanctions (Designated Persons and Entities and Declared Persons—Iran) Amendment List 2016 (No. 2);

(b) the adequacy of the explanatory statements accompanying the regulations for the removal of certain activities and entities from the sanctions regime;

(c) the extent to which any removed entities have institutional or financial ties to any entities that continue to be designated, and the nature of such ties;

(d) the impact of lifting sanctions on the conduct of Iran in international affairs and on Australia’s national interest;

(e) the Australian Government’s decision to re-open a trade office in Iran; and

(f) any related matters.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Scott Ryan (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The decision to remove economic and financial sanctions on Iran was made in full accordance with the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011, introduced by the former Labor government. A number of Labor members and senators spoke in support of the bill, including the member for Melbourne Ports. The bill was considered by the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, which recommended it be past. Australia's decision to remove economic and financial sanctions is consistent with the approach of the United States, the European Union, Japan and Canada and is in line with the United Nations Security Council resolution 2231. We will use this inquiry to highlight Labor's hypocrisy on this issue as well as their legislative record and Australia's international obligations.

Question agreed to.