Australia news and politics live: Iran’s Ambassador expelled over ‘orchestrated’ synagogue attacks
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Key Events
ASIO Chief describes Iranian interference as ‘layer cake of cutouts’
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess has likened Iranian involvement in Australia to a “layer cake of cutouts” linking Tehran to those accused in attacks here.
Asked whether organised crime was involved, Mr Burgess said there was an “organised crime element offshore.”
“It’s a layer cake of cut-outs between the IRGC (Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) and the person or the alleged perpetrators conducting crimes.
“In between them, they tap into a number of people – agents of IRGC, and people that they know in the criminal world – and work through them.
“That’s not to suggest organised crime are doing it. They’re just using cutouts, including people who are criminal and members of organised crime gangs, to do their bidding or direct their bidding in Australia,” Mr Burgess explained.
PM won’t use Iran revelation against Netanyahu
When asked if he believed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu owed him an apology for blaming him over the rise of anti-Semitic attacks, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he was not focused on personal disputes.
“I’m not interested in personal issues,” Mr Albanese responded when questioned.
“What I’m interested in is making a difference.
“Making a difference for Australia’s social cohesion, adopting a position which is principled.
“Which is in line with what Australians want to see.”
In recent weeks, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Albanese of allowing anti-Semitism to flourish in the aftermath of October 7, as attacks on Jewish institutions and synagogues have increased.
Two police officers killed in rural shooting
Two police officers have been shot dead and a third has been injured after they tried to serve a warrant at a property in rural Victoria.
A manhunt is still underway for the offender. A call for assistance was made about 10.55am on Tuesday.
Emergency services have rushed to the small town of Porepunkah in Victoria’s alpine region, about 300km north-east of Melbourne.
Heavily armed officers from the Special Operations Group are searching for the offender who fled the scene.
“This is still an active incident and we will provide more information when it’s operationally safe to do so,” Victoria Police said.
‘Do not travel to Iran’: Australian government issues warning
The Australian Government has issued a travel warning after it was revealed Iran orchestrated attacks on the Jewish community in Australia.
“Our Embassy in Tehran has suspended operations. We continue to advise do not travel to Iran. If you’re in Iran, you should strongly consider leaving as soon as possible, if it is safe to do so.
“Foreigners in Iran, including Australians and dual Australian-Iranian nationals, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest.
“Our ability to provide consular assistance in Iran is extremely limited. We can’t guarantee access to consular services or legal representation if you’re detained or arrested.
“Australians in need of consular assistance should call the Australian Government 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.”
Albanese expels Iranian officials and has advised Australians to leave Iran
Anthony Albanese says he’s expelling Iranian officials and has advised Australians to leave Iran immediately after the Middle East nation was found to be behind attacks on home soil.
The Prime Minister said his government was “taking strong and decisive action in response” to the “dangerous” attacks on a Melbourne synagogue and Sydney continental kitchen.
“We informed the Iranian ambassador to Australia he would be expelled.
“We have suspended operations at our embassy in Tehran, and all our diplomats are now safe in a third country.
“I can also announce that the government will legislate to list Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard… as a terrorist organisation.”
Iran’s Ambassador expelled for orchestrating Melbourne synagogue attack
Australia has expelled Iran’s Ambassador to Canberra, accused of coordinating the firebombing of a Jewish synagogue in Melbourne late last year.
Ahmad Sadeghi will be removed from the country over his alleged role in the attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue as well as other plots targeting Jewish Australians.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says “Iran’s actions are completely unacceptable”.
She said Iran’s ambassador to Australia had been served a “persona non grata” as well as three other Iranian officials.
“They’ll have seven days to leave the country,” Senator Wong said.
“This is the first time in the postwar period that Australia has expelled an ambassador.”
PM says Iran ‘aggression will not be tolerated’ after attacks on Jewish communities
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Iran orchestrated attacks on Australian Jewish communities were undertaken to “undermine social cohesion and sow discord”.
“They have sought to harm and terrorise Jewish Australians and sow hatred and division in our community,” the PM said.
“The actions of my government send a clear message, a message to all Australians we stand against anti-Semitism, and we stand against violence.
“And a message to nations like Iran who seek to interfere in our country, that your aggression will not be tolerated.”
Albanese says Iran orchestrated attacks on Australian Jewish communities
Anthony Albanese has told a major press conference in Canberra that Australian authorities have found Iran orchestrated attacks on its Jewish community.
He said ASIO has found that “the Iranian government directed at least two… anti-Semitic attacks against Australia’s Jewish community”.
The Prime Minister has condemned the attacks alongside his Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“ASIO has gathered enough credible intelligence to reach a deeply disturbing conclusion, the Iranian government directed at least two of these attacks,” he said.
“Iran has sought to disguise its involvement but ASIO assesses it was behind the attacks on the Lewis continental kitchen in Sydney on October 20 last year, and the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne.
“These were extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil.”
PM says he’s ‘very concerned’ by police targeted in Victorian shooting
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he’s “very concerned” by news that police have been targeted in a shooting at a rural property in Porepunkah in north-east Victoria.
One police officer has been shot and two others are missing after an ambush in the High Country.
“(I’m) very concerned for some of the police officers who are involved,” he told a press conference in Canberra on Tuesday.
“Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day.
“The men and women who wear our uniform, wear the uniform of the police, take risks each and every day.
“The Victorian police commissioner will be providing updates during the afternoon as more facts… become clear.”
Ley says she ‘respects’ Barnaby Joyce’s net zero repeal private members bill
Opposition leader Sussan Ley says she “respects” Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce’s decision to bring forward a net zero repeal private members bill.
She said the Coalition was a party of open debate and welcomed members expressing their opinion, while criticising Labor for gagging their members.
“With respect to private members and bills, they are a feature of our party,” the Liberal leader said.
“They are a feature of the great democracy within our party.
“By the way, the Labor Party does not allow these things because you will have to sing from the same song sheet every day of the week.
“I deeply respect membership and I was at the LNP conference and had terrific discussions of members.
“I deeply respect our members but I also acknowledge the diversity of opinion.”
