STATEMENT TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
IRAQ
MONDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2014
*** CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY ***
Madam Speaker
I thank the Prime Minister for keeping me updated as events unfolded over the weekend, and I thank him for agreeing to Labor’s request for a statement to the House today.
Labor’s support for the Government on this question is underpinned by three key principles:
One, responding effectively to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq, to prevent genocide and relieve suffering.
Two, promoting a unity government in Iraq that is inclusive and can achieve national cohesion, a Government that would reject sectarianism and the alienation of minorities – enabling effective security and control of Iraqi territory. We must not act in a way that would leave Iraq in a worse position.
Three, denying motivation and opportunity for Australian Foreign Fighters.
We must reflect carefully on what to do.
We should not confuse empty jingoism and aggressive nationalism with steady decision-making.
Neither can we ignore the dreadful consequences of fanaticism and extremism.
Today, all members and all parties have the opportunity to express their views, in this place and in the Federation Chamber.
And today is also an important opportunity for all of us in the Opposition to place on the Parliamentary record:
Labor’s support for the dedicated and professional men and women of our Australian Defence Force
Labor’s unreserved condemnation for the evil of ISIS and the genocide it is inflicting on minorities in Iraq
Labor’s promise to take a constructive and co-operative approach to this most important question
And the fact that Labor regards the role of international co-operation featuring gulf and regional nations engagement as crucial. Especially after a new Iraqi Government is formed on or around September 10.
Madam Speaker
For Labor, national security is – and always will be – above politics.
And while we deplore violence and war as instruments for achieving solutions to geopolitical problems.
We acknowledge that sometimes it is necessary for the international community to take strong steps to end death and destruction.
The decision to send Australian men and women into harm’s way is never taken lightly.
Carrying out this mission in a region torn by violence – and under the risk of attack from an aggressive enemy capturing weaponry as it advances – brings with it a deadly risk.
But we can have full confidence in the skill and bravery of our Australian defence personnel.
In providing assistance to the people of Iraq, Australia will be represented by some of the best trained and best equipped servicemen and women in the world.
Australia, along with the air forces of several countries will be resupplying Kurdish Peshmerga troops – the front line against the terrorist incursions in northern Iraq.
Australians can be proud of the part we have already played in this international mission.
Our Australian forces in Iraq are assisting an international humanitarian effort to prevent genocide against beleaguered minorities in northern Iraq.
And let there be no doubt about the use of the word genocide.
The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS, is a barbaric organisation, driven by poisonous hatred and extremism, engaging in the wilful massacre of innocent people and the unforgivable degradation of forcing women into sexual slavery.
Theirs is a most egregious abuse of the name of Islam, their every action is a betrayal of the millions of good people, of good conscience who follow that faith.
And that point deserves to be made again.
The Islamic State does not represent the Islamic faith.
No follower of that religion of peace and tolerance should be made accountable for the crimes of these fanatics – especially in suspicious times when unfounded resentment can run high.
No citizen of Australia – or any nation – should be driven into the arms of extremism, by intolerance.
Madam Speaker
The events unfolding in Iraq have horrified the international community.
A United Nations report, based on 480 interviews and documentary evidence – reveals the breadth and depth of the atrocities being perpetrated:
The report says:
"Children have been present at the executions, which take the form of beheading or shooting in the head at close range … Bodies are placed on public display, often on crucifixes, for up to three days, serving as a warning to local residents.”
Madam Speaker, the evidence is overwhelming.
The Islamic State is an enemy of humanity, engaged in crimes against humanity.
For the forces of ISIS, the enemy is not one nation, one faith or one people.
Their enemy is the very existence of peace, it is the presence of justice.
It is freedom of worship, freedom of association, freedom of speech – freedom itself.
Madam Speaker
More than a decade ago, Simon Crean stood at this dispatch box as Labor leader to support our troops, but oppose a war.
History has vindicated his judgment.
The decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003 was based on false evidence and a false premise.
It was a rushed decision, devoid of an effective plan to win the peace, devoid of clear objectives and devoid of widespread international support.
As the Government has said, the situation we face today is very different.
This is not 2003.
In 2003, we went to Iraq without international support and without the support of the majority of the Iraqi population.
Today, the Iraqi Government is speaking with the international community, seeking our humanitarian assistance.
Today, we have a United States administration adopting a more methodical, more internationally inclusive approach.
Today, we can look to the nations of the region, the Arabic leaders, for their part in a solution to this problem.
Madam Speaker
It is truly terrible that more than a decade after a war which inflicted so much damage on the Iraqi people – and divided the international community – fanaticism and sectarian and ethnic hatreds have again pushed this region to the brink of disaster.
I am conscious that there is still detail to be worked through – but Labor’s principles on this question are clear:
We must respond effectively to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq - preventing genocide and alleviating suffering.
We must promote an inclusive unity government in Iraq that eschews sectarianism and the alienation of minorities, that builds national cohesion, enabling effective security and control of Iraqi territory.
And we must deny motivation and opportunity for Australian Foreign Fighters.
We are committed to these principles, just as we are committed to the support of our brave service personnel, just as we are committed to taking a constructive approach to this question.
Madam Speaker
Australians listening to this Parliament and throughout the country can be certain that Labor and the Coalition stand as one on the importance of national security.
We share a resolute commitment to keeping our people and our country safe – now and always.
When Labor declares its Opposition to ISIS and all its works, we understand we are not dealing with rational people.
The religious hatred we are seeing is not rational – it never has been.
Religious factions who violently hate one another are an anachronism for Australia and we certainly expect people who come here to leave such causes and arguments behind.
Our citizens are rightly shocked by the brutality of this sectarian struggle.
But the inescapable fact is that genocide is being perpetrated against defenceless people.
And we cannot co-operate with this evil by refusing to support the innocent.
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA OFFICE 02 6277 4053
