US-Israel Attack on Iran Criticized by Canadian PM Mark Carney
The Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, has moderated his stance on the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. While he supports the end of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s regime, which he described as "the principal source of instability and terror in the region," Carney questioned the legality of the attacks, calling them "another example of the failure of the international order."
Carney is in Australia on a trade mission and to foster cooperation among middle powers. He has previously discussed the concept of "variable geometry," which involves forming diverse international coalitions to address specific issues.
Speaking at the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Carney expressed a more nuanced view than his initial firm support for the strikes.
"Canada supports the United States acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon," he said on Saturday.
On Wednesday night in Sydney, Carney noted that the Iranian regime and its proxies had killed hundreds of Canadians over the years and caused widespread suffering in the Middle East and beyond.
"Canada stands with the people of Iran in their struggle against the regime’s oppression and supports the imperative of neutralising this grave global threat."
However, he expressed regret about the current conflict, highlighting the failure of international mechanisms despite decades of UN Security Council resolutions, International Atomic Energy Agency efforts, sanctions, and diplomatic frameworks. He pointed out that Iran’s nuclear threat persists and that the US and Israel acted without UN engagement or consultation with allies, including Canada.
"The question is: where to from here? Given we have a rapidly spreading conflict and growing threats to civilian life across the region, Canada reaffirms that international law binds all belligerents."
Carney stated that the US and Israeli strikes appeared unlawful as they lacked Security Council support and were not in response to an imminent threat.
"The action that was taken, we weren’t consulted on it. There was not a process, a broader process for it. It would appear, prima facie … to be inconsistent with international law."
Chalmers Promises an Ambitious Fifth Budget Amid Global Uncertainty
Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke on ABC RN Breakfast, affirming that Australia’s economy is well-positioned to absorb international shocks as the Middle East conflict escalates.
He cited recent national accounts showing the strongest growth in almost three years, surpassing every major advanced economy, providing a solid foundation amid global uncertainty.
Regarding the upcoming budget, due in just over two months, Chalmers responded to questions about whether global uncertainty would limit government ambition on tax reform and spending cuts.
"It’ll be an ambitious budget regardless, but it will be very attuned to developments in the world, as you would expect. We’ve got these three big challenges, inflation, productivity and global economic uncertainty. The fifth budget will be an ambitious budget."
Old Certainties in the World Are Breaking Down, Says Chalmers
On the role of middle powers in global conflict, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been considering how these nations can cooperate effectively. Jim Chalmers, an admirer of Carney, discussed this on ABC RN Breakfast.
When asked if middle powers ensure military actions are legal, Chalmers emphasized that their role extends beyond legality to fostering cooperation.
"When it comes to the ways that a lot of the old certainties in the world and in the global economy are breaking down and busting up, Prime Minister Carney is coming at these issues in a characteristically thoughtful and considered way. For Australia, we believe that the best way to advance our national interest is to engage in enthusiastically with Canadian friends and other middle powers, but also with the major powers. We believe in cooperation and in engagement."
This contrasts with the Australian government’s current position, which has not commented on the legality of the US and Israeli strikes, whereas Carney stated the actions "would appear, prima facie … to be inconsistent with international law."
Three Flights Scheduled from Dubai to Australia Today
Three flights are scheduled to depart Dubai today: two to Sydney and one to Melbourne. The first flight to Sydney is set to leave at 2 a.m. local time, with the other two departing later in the afternoon.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong reported that over 230 Australians arrived on yesterday’s flight from Dubai to Sydney. She encouraged Australians to return via commercial flights but acknowledged that the government is preparing contingency plans.
Shadow Defence Minister James Paterson described the Middle East as a challenging environment for commercial airlines due to Iranian strikes on regional airports.
"If those commercial options are not available, then every other option needs to be considered, including using ADF assets to repatriate Australians if that’s necessary.
We have used military planes to evacuate Australians from conflict zones. And if that’s necessary in this instance, if it’s possible in this instance, then obviously the government will have our bipartisan support."
Penny Wong confirmed the scheduling of three additional flights but noted that the volatile situation means their departure is not guaranteed.
Middle East Conflict to Increase Economic Pressure, Treasurer Warns
Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed the media regarding the impact of the Middle East conflict on Australia’s upcoming budget. He acknowledged that the economy has already faced pressures from global uncertainty and rising inflation.
"There are swings and roundabouts when we think about the implications for the budget in May.
When it comes to price pressures and when it comes to global economic uncertainty, what we’re seeing in the Middle East, will put additional pressure on the economy, on Australians, and it will be a big feature of our thinking as we put the government’s fifth budget together."
On petrol prices, Chalmers noted that some recent increases may be part of the usual fuel cycle but expressed concerns about potential opportunistic pricing. He has tasked the consumer watchdog to monitor for price gouging.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong Expresses Deep Concern Over Conflict Spread
Penny Wong voiced serious concern about the rapid expansion of the conflict, noting Iran’s strikes on Turkey, a NATO member. Turkey is the 11th country Iran has targeted.
"I don’t think we anticipated, or any country might have anticipated, that Iran would respond in the way that it has. It has, within the first 72 hours, struck many non-participant countries. It engaged in strikes on airport hubs. So this conflict has spread very rapidly, and the conflict is much more intense.
So we are deeply concerned about this conflict spreading."
Wong described the conflict as unpredictable and advised Australians with upcoming travel plans to carefully reconsider their arrangements.
Additional Flights to Bring Australians Home from Middle East
Following the arrival of the first flight from Dubai carrying over 230 Australians, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced three more flights scheduled for today, subject to safety and security conditions.
Six teams have been deployed to the region to assist Australians. There are approximately 24,000 Australians in the United Arab Emirates and 115,000 across the broader Middle East. Wong noted that many Australians are registering with the government to return.
"We have three flights that are currently scheduled today for departure for Australia from the UAE. Obviously, those are subject to confirmation that it is safe and secure to leave. Changes could happen until the last moment, but I hope that those flights are also able to depart safely.
We have had a lot of registrations, and that is a good thing … We are working through that registration process to determine eligibility and also people’s relative needs."
Personal Accounts from Australians Returning from the Middle East
Mining executive Troy Barker, who was in Dubai for a day, witnessed drones and missiles over the city skyline during a horse race attended by the Emirati ruler.
"I saw a couple of missiles but I’ve worked in Africa for 20 years so I’ve seen many things," he said, praising communications from Emirates Airlines and local authorities.
He expressed relief at being safely home.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong expressed satisfaction that the first flight carrying Australians from Dubai to Sydney was underway, acknowledging the distress many are experiencing.
"We know this is a very difficult time. We are conscious of how distressed many people are," she said in Canberra.
Inquiry into Racism Against Indigenous Australians Announced
The federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, announced a parliamentary inquiry into racism, hate, and violence directed at First Nations people.
The inquiry follows recent incidents, including the alleged terror attack at Perth’s Invasion Day rally on 26 January and the attack on Camp Sovereignty in Melbourne last year by white supremacists. It also responds to reports of increased racism, particularly online.
The joint standing committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs will conduct the inquiry, accepting submissions until 1 May, with findings due by 15 September.
"First Nations people are feeling scared and angry in the wake of the alleged terrorist attack in Boorloo, Perth, and last year’s attack on Camp Sovereignty.
I know this has been a difficult time for families and communities. This inquiry ensures they can have their say and their experiences will be heard by the parliament.
I regularly hear from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that they are facing increasing hate and racism, especially online. We must stand up against racism in all its forms."
Emotional Return of Australians Stranded in the Middle East
Australian evacuees arriving on the first flight from Dubai to Sydney were greeted with hugs and tears from anxious family members, according to Australia Associated Press.
Among them was Iman Krayem, who was stuck in the United Arab Emirates for several nights while en route to visit her sick father in Lebanon. She described the experience as stressful, especially after Iranian missile strikes on Dubai.
"I was crying non-stop," she told AAP after clearing customs. "It was so stressful, I didn’t have my luggage, I had no clothes but I am happy to be back home now."
The passengers included high school students traveling to Istanbul for a robotics competition and charity worker Hawra Khalil, who had been on a humanitarian trip in Lebanon feeding children affected by war.
Khalil, grounded in Dubai with a colleague, reflected on the contrast between the relative safety of the Gulf and the hardships faced by families in Lebanon.
"I just got a glimpse of it in Dubai and I had seen what people in Lebanon go through on a daily basis tenfold," she said.
"It is scary, you feel threatened but I have it so much easier because what I witnessed is innocent families and innocent children starving and in poverty."
Live Updates and Coverage
Good morning, Krishani Dhanji here with you this morning, following Martin Farrer’s overnight coverage.
It will be a busy day at Parliament House, with Penny Wong conducting media engagements as flights continue to bring Australians home from the Middle East.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Canberra to deliver a speech to parliament and hold a press conference with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
We will continue to provide updates on these stories and more as events unfold.
