Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney-General
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia
3 March 2026
Parliament House Press Gallery doorstop
Topics: Australians caught in the Middle East; Sermons in support of Ayatollah; ISIS brides
E&OE
Journalist
Question about Australian Government help for Australians stranded in the Middle East
Senator Cash
It’s not good enough that Australians are waiting for hours to get access to a consular services in these situations. Australians don’t expect miracles, but what they do expect is urgency from their government. Communication is the key, and it is clear here that the government does need to step up its game and do more to communicate with Australians on the ground.
Journalist
And are you satisfied enough planning work is underway to organize repatriations if need be?
Senator Cash
Well, I certainly hope so. This situation was not an unexpected one. To be fair to the government, however, you always need to have contingency plans in place. And again, at this point in time, communication is the key, and the government really does need to step up its game in relation to communicating with Australians who are now stranded overseas because waiting 24 hours to get access to someone to talk to you, that is not acceptable.
Journalist
And there are reports of memorial services for the Ayatollah. What do you make of that? And do you think that could possibly be illegal?
Senator Cash
I think this is utterly disgraceful, and I absolutely condemn them. The IRGC is a listed terrorist organization in Australia, and any suggestion that these sermons are in any way advocating support for the IRGC must be investigated. This is a country that does not tolerate terrorism, and we do not tolerate this type of behaviour. But not only that, what message do those sermons send to the Iranian people who fled that regime and are here on the ground in Australia today fearing for their life? So I hope to hear strong condemnation today from the Prime Minister, Mr. Albanese, of these sermons. They are an utter disgrace.
Journalist
Just to clarify, you think authorities should be investigating these?
Senator Cash
Yes, I do. The IRGC is a listed terrorist organization in Australia. These sermons should be monitored. I mean, Alex Ryvchin has made it very, very clear he is someone who does believe that investigations should occur. They should be monitored, and if required, yes, investigations should occur.
Journalist
And just finally, do you think the children of the so called ISIS brides? Do you think they are ISIS sympathizers?
Senator Cash
Let’s be very clear, and as it was said yesterday, they are no toddlers. Angus Taylor will defend Australian values. We’re going to make no excuses for that. Those ISIS brides chose their path, they chose their course of action. They turned their back on our great country, and I’m sorry, but this government is weak in its response. This government should be doing everything within its power to shut the door, to ensure that these people do not return to Australia. Instead, quite frankly, they put up the white flag and they make excuses for people who have supported terrorists. That is unacceptable and, quite frankly, not what Australians expect from their government block the kids, even if they can be separated from their mothers. I said, these kids are no longer toddlers. That is the sad reality for these kids. Their mothers should be explaining to them why they took them away in the first place. Thank you.
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