Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Shadow Attorney-General
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Senator for Western Australia
4 March 2026
APH, Doorstop
Topics: War in Middle East; Australian economy; Inflation; Liberal Party review
E&OE
Journalist
Should Australia offer military to the US in the war on Iran?
Senator Cash
That’s not something that we’ve been asked to do by the United States. President Trump has not indicated that he yet requires any form of support. What we fundamentally believe, though, is that we do have a strategic role, and that is certainly being able to provide any intelligence that we may have to the United States and to Israel, but also to strengthen the sanctions regime here domestically, if we need to impose more sanctions. But the point that I have continued to make is the government needs to make sure that Iranian Australians who fled that oppressive regime and are here in Australia and are currently not feeling safe know that this government is doing everything it can to ensure that they are protected.
Journalist
Could it be damaging to the relationship with the US, with President Trump, if we don’t provide military support in the future?
Senator Cash
Well, again, that is not a live issue, and I’m not prepared to contemplate something that is not yet a live issue. But as I said, we have a strategic role. We are an ally.
We back what the United States and Israel have done. They have taken out, they have got rid of one of the most evil people in the world, a man who slaughtered his own people, but also exported terror globally. And we know that because he exported terror here to the shores of Australia, but certainly in terms of getting rid of or stopping their ability to acquire nuclear weapons. That is something that we absolutely agree with.
Journalist
And do you think Australians are facing tough economic times ahead as a result of this conflict?
Senator Cash
Look, global events are real. They happen. You can’t control what happens in the Middle East, but a competent government can put in place the right economic framework so when you do have these international events, the Australian economy can absorb the shock. Look at what happened under the former coalition government during covid. We had put in place a strong economy, which meant that we could actually get us through Covid successfully. The problem with this government is it’s destroyed our economy. Inflation too high for too long. Currently, January, 3.8% domestic inflation, 4.9%. The biggest issue they have is their spending. We’re about to hit a trillion dollars in debt. They’re very good at making excuses this government. All Australians want is a plan. How are you going to get inflation down under control, so we can start to lift our standard of living again.
Journalist
If President Trump does ask for military support, should we provide it?
Senator Cash
Oh, again, that is not a request that is live on the table. We are not in government, but as I said, we have a strategic role, and in particular when it comes to intelligence exchange, and that’s the role that we should be playing.
Journalist
Was the Liberal Party Review unfair to Peter Dutton?
Senator Cash
Oh, look, I have never spoken about what happens internally in the Liberal Party. Under Angus Taylor, as he said, we’re not focusing on the past. We are focusing squarely on what the Australian people need from us as a future government. We are focusing on the Australian people and how we can put in place the policies that are going to restore their standard of living that has been so dismally destroyed under Labor. But more than that, protect their way of life, because this is a government that is trashing the fundamental values in Australia.
Journalist
Have you read the review?
Senator Cash
I am member of federal executive. I have been privy to the review. But as I said, it is not something that I’m focusing on. I focus on the Australian people each and every day. The last thing the Australian people want us focusing on is ourselves. We’ve got the national accounts coming out today. They’re going to answer one very simple question, are Australians better off today than they were one year ago? Two years ago, three years ago, four years ago. That’s what the Australian people want us focusing on.
Journalist
It suggests so that the Liberal Party was alienating women, alienating migrants. Do you agree with those findings?
Senator Cash
As I said, I focus on the Australian people each and every day. We are looking forward under Angus Taylor. We have a clear resolve. We will be a government if the Australian people give us that honour that restores their standard of living and protects their way of life. That is our sole focus under Angus Taylor.
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