Australian Troops Safe as Hastie Dismisses Rules-Based Order Amid Iran Conflict
Coalition frontbencher Andrew Hastie has declared that anyone believing the rules-based international order still exists is living in a "fantasyland", as tensions escalate following US and Israeli bombings in Iran. This statement comes as the Australian government confirmed that all troops stationed at the Al Minhad airbase in the United Arab Emirates are safe and accounted for after a weekend drone strike.
Government Confirms Safety of Australian Personnel
Defence Minister Richard Marles announced on Tuesday that over 100 Australian personnel across the Middle East, most based at the Al Minhad operational headquarters in the UAE, were unharmed in the strike. "All the Australians who are there are safe and accounted for," Marles stated, highlighting the long-standing presence of Australian forces at the base since 2003.
The drone attack occurred as Iran launched retaliatory measures against nearby countries in response to strikes led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Australia maintains a smaller force at Al Minhad, with about 50 core ADF staff and 70 to 80 Australians typically present, supporting various missions since the end of operations in Afghanistan.
Hastie Criticises International Order as Irrelevant
Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, a former SAS veteran, dismissed concerns about the rules-based order, arguing it is "nice to talk about" but meaningless when Trump acts as an "apex opportunist". "I don't think that exists any more, and anyone who says it does is living in a fantasyland. This is a new world order," Hastie asserted.
He emphasised that global governance is driven by power, preferring a powerful US re-establishing deterrence over other nations like Russia using might to advance their interests. However, Hastie cautioned that war is "a very, very risky business" and expressed skepticism about regime change strategies, noting Iranians might fear trading one tyrant for another.
Government Defends Actions Amid Legal Criticism
Marles defended the US and Israeli bombings, citing Iran's alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons in breach of international non-proliferation agreements. "It is utterly essential for global security that Iran be prevented from acquiring this capability," he said, though he noted the legal justification for the attacks was a matter for the US and Israel.
International law experts have criticised the strikes as unauthorised, but the government maintains its stance on the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program.
Contingency Planning for Australians in the Region
As the conflict disrupts travel, contingency planning is underway in Canberra to assist the 115,000 Australians in the Middle East. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong discussed the situation with UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who confirmed efforts to safely allow flights out and provide accommodation and meals for affected Australians.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is processing thousands of registrations to verify the welfare of Australian citizens, permanent residents, and dependants in the UAE and other countries.
