Senate debates

Wednesday, 11 September 2019

Motions

Iran

4:37 pm

Photo of Jordon Steele-JohnJordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I ask that general business notice of motion No. 111 standing in my name for today relating to the Strait of Hormuz be taken as a formal motion.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Is there any objection to this motion being taken as formal?

Photo of Jonathon DuniamJonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | | Hansard source

Yes.

Photo of Jordon Steele-JohnJordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a statement of no longer than one minute.

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of Jordon Steele-JohnJordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

The escalating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz is nothing less than a crisis of Trump's own making. Rather than confront the administration and encourage it to return to the Iran nuclear deal process, a policy which was working, the Morrison government has decided to indulge Trump by participating in military naval activities around the strait and, in so doing, place our personnel at risk.

The impact of US sanctions upon the Iranian people have been catastrophic, with poverty surging and young people paying the highest price. We all want to live in a world free of violence, with the things we need to live a good life. These are aspirations that the Australian people share with the people of Iran. The Australian Greens call upon the Morrison government to grow a backbone and encourage the Trump administration to return to the deal framework.