Peter Stefanovic, Host: You're back with First Edition on a busy Monday morning. Folks, some breaking news, it's understood the Prime Minister will convene a National Security Committee this morning and is expected to speak at Parliament House a little later on today, but before then, and we are standing by to hear from Penny Wong this morning. But before we do, let's get to the Assistant Foreign Minister, Matt Thistlethwaite, Liberal Senator Hollie Hughes this morning. So, Matt, good to have you both with us this morning. First of all, to you, Matt, I mean, it took a while, what took so long to get your support behind the American strikes on Iran?
Matt Thistlethwaite, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade: Well, Australia’s said for a long time, Pete, that we've all known that Iran was trying to develop a ballistic missile and nuclear capability that was a danger not only to the region, but to the world. So, we've always supported action to prevent that, which is what this action is. I guess the key question now is, what next and where do we go? The United States, the President and the Defense Secretary have called for Iran to now negotiate to bring that program to an end. And that's something that the Australian Government clearly supports.
Stefanovic: Just before I get to you, Hollie, Matt, what are the options available for any Australians who might be stranded in Iran at the moment and want to get out?
Assistant Minister: Yeah, that's a key point, Pete. The safety of Australians is paramount for the Albanese Government. We've asked all Australians in the region to register, and so far, about 3000 have registered in Iran and about 1300 have registered in Israel. We did have permission to land Australian Defence Force aircraft in Tel Aviv to evacuate people as quickly as possible. Obviously, with yesterday's action, that may now change. So, what Australians need to do is register with DFAT, we then get their contact details, and we contact them as quickly as possible, when we can arrange for those evacuations.
Stefanovic: Ok, over to you, Hollie, with your thoughts on things this morning.
Hollie Hughes, Liberal Senator for NSW: I mean, this is just embarrassing for Australia, the fact that it's taken 24 hours plus for the Prime Minister to come out, for Penny Wong to come out. The best they could do was some limp-wristed comment by Tanya Plibersek yesterday. This is absolutely appalling behaviour by the Albanese Government, and I think all Australians should be absolutely embarrassed by the fact that one of our strongest allies, yet, we've had deafening silence. What the U.S. has done, what Israel has done. Iran was in breach of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, they’ve been trying to gain nuclear weapons, which would not only have been destructive to Israel, but potentially many other countries in the region and potentially the U.S. and the world. Donald Trump has made an incredible statement to Iran in what he's done, particularly taking out those three nuclear bases. I mean, obviously, the BDA assessment is difficult without people on the ground, but if it is true that they have completely obliterated Iran's nuclear program, this is a huge step forward and potentially a resetting of peace in the Middle East. But for anyone that was watching the Foreign Minister from Iran last night, there's still a certain level of defiance there. I think that was inevitably, you know, it was impossible to see, not see, he's off to see Putin today. So, we're at a very precarious time. And the fact that Australia is sitting on the fence, I mean, the fact that Richard Marles was looking to the French for some sort of moral guidance, I mean, seriously, I don't know if you saw the meme last week where it was Donald Trump calling Macron and Macron saying, you know, we're not going to support action. And Trump was saying, no, I want you to show them how to surrender. I mean, come on, it's really, that's where we are?
Stefanovic: It has been a criticism, Matt. What was behind the delay and in front footing in the Australian response this morning?
Assistant Minister: We've taken a responsible approach that's designed to try and reach an outcome where Iran surrenders its nuclear program, but most importantly, maintains peace and stability within the region. There's a lot at stake in the Middle East at the moment, not the least, but a great risk to the international economy from the Strait of Hormuz being blockaded, which will have an effect on every Australian at the petrol bowser. So, there's a lot at stake. It's a delicate situation, and you need a government to take a responsible approach, and that's exactly what the Albanese Government has done.
Stefanovic: Have you got - I mean, look, we're not, you know, at the front lines, so to speak, of talks between the U.S. and Iran at the moment. I appreciate that, Matt, but does the Australian Government have any information on what their American sources are telling them about the hit on Iran and how effective it was?
Assistant Minister: Well, the United States has clearly said that the targeting of those facilities was successful. We hope that it ends Iran's nuclear program and that Iran now negotiates with the United States. President Trump's made that offer, and Iran should take that offer up. We want to make sure now that there's not an ongoing conflict here within this region, that this doesn't develop into a long-term conflict. And that's what most Australians want.
Hughes: This is just a joke, Matt, I mean, seriously, it's a joke. Australia isn't playing any role in negotiations between U.S., Israel and Iran, where our absolutely pathetic Prime Minister and government response is going to be echoing loudly is in the halls of Washington. It is the damage that this government is doing to our relationship with one of our longest and strongest allies in the U.S. that is actually critical here. The Strait of Hormuz won't just impact at the bowser as well. You guys need to understand, every piece of food that's delivered, every piece of product that gets from a farm gate to a supermarket is about to be impacted by costs. So, it's the bowser, it's the checkout, it's absolutely everywhere that is going to be impacted.
Stefanovic: Can I just get in on the flight, Matt, if you wouldn't mind? Because, I mean, there's an interesting contradiction at play here. If we're supporting the American strikes on Iran, how are we going to get a plane in to get Australians out?
Assistant Minister: Well, that's why we've been negotiating with the Israeli government to make sure that the ADF can evacuate Australians as quickly as possible --
Stefanovic: But might Iran just go nah, stop ya?
Assistant Minister: Well, obviously, with the action yesterday, that is now a fluid situation. So, we'll continue to operate on the basis of trying to keep Australians safe. But anyone that's in the region, the most important thing is to register with DFAT and monitor the Smartraveller website because there's regular updates on that.
Stefanovic: Okay, last word, Hollie. We're about to go to Penny Wong, but your time's up.
Hughes: It is up. But Pete, you know, don't miss me too much. I'll be back with you on Sky next Monday. I'm co-hosting the late debate for a week, so then I'll take a little break, and I'll be back. So, I think for the Sky viewers at least, certainly I'll still be around.
Stefanovic: Well, it's a good place to be.
Assistant Minister: Can I also just say, Pete, I know we haven't agreed on everything, Hollie, but I have enjoyed sparring with you in the morning, and I wish you all the very best.
Hughes: Thanks, Matt. You too.
Stefanovic: There we go. We're working on a new opponent for you, Matt, but there you go. Now, we'll talk to you soon.