Chalmers says nearly 2,000 Australians seeking help to leave Israel, Iran
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The news: Nearly 2,000 Australians have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for help to leave Israel, the occupied Palestinian territories and Iran, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said, as the government monitors the “very dangerous” situation in the Middle East.
Speaking on ABC Radio National Breakfast, Chalmers said the main focus was on the “human cost of this escalating conflict” and that the Australian government was working “very closely” with those affected.
What they said: "I’m told by the colleagues that there are more than a thousand Australians and family members in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories who’ve registered with us who want to get out of that part of the world, and then another 870 or so in Iran," Chalmers said.
"We're obviously working very closely with those Australians via the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We're monitoring developments in that very dangerous part of the world very closely. Obviously our major focus is on the human cost of this escalating conflict.”
“There are economic costs as well, we are monitoring both those things. Obviously we recognise Israel’s right to defend itself. We have a preference here for dialogue [and] de-escalation.”
The context: The comments come as Trump left the G7 summit in Canada early to deal with the Middle East crisis, cancelling a planned face-to-face meeting where Albanese intended to argue for Australia’s exemption from US trade tariffs.
“There will be other opportunities to engage,” Chalmers said. “I don't think it's especially surprising that President Trump left the G7 early.”
“[Talks] have been going on for some months now and they will continue. We will continue to speak up for and stand up for Australian workers and businesses and investors and interests as we have done so far. There'll be other ways that we can do that, other opportunities to do that.”
The source: ABC News
