AUSTRALIAN MILITARY CONTRIBUTION TO FIGHTING EVILS OF ISIL

 

This afternoon, the Prime Minister briefed the Opposition on Australia's contribution to an international coalition to fight ISIL.

 

ISIL is a barbaric organisation that is engaged in the massacre of innocent people.

 

The execution of British citizen David Haines is further sickening evidence of this.

 

This evil organisation must be defeated and their fighting capacity disabled.

 

We cannot co-operate with this insatiable ruthlessness by refusing to support the innocent.

 

The situation in Iraq remains deeply concerning and there’s no doubt that a humanitarian crisis continues to develop.

 

Labor has fully supported the humanitarian mission that Australia has been involved with in Iraq – our RAAF personnel have been doing a tremendous job providing humanitarian relief to people desperately in need.

 

Labor supports today's announcement of the deployment of an Australian military force – including RAAF assets and personnel – to the United Arab Emirates.

 

We don't do so lightly, but we support the Government's decision that Australia has a role to play in eradicating this evil and we are reassured that our support is being provided at the request of, and in full coordination with, the Iraqi Government.

 

We are also greatly heartened by the progress being made by new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, in the formation of a unity government, which is vital to achieving a successful outcome against these terrorists.

 

President Obama made it clear that the United States will not be dragged into another ground war in Iraq – this is an important statement of principle and we support this.

 

There have been too many mistakes made in the past that western countries must avoid repeating.

 

In uncertain times such as these, we must refuse to submit to fear, prejudice and intolerance.

 

We must jealously guard the harmony of our society.  It's what makes our country so remarkable.

 

The Australian men and women involved in this action – and their families – will be in our thoughts.

 

 

SUNDAY, 14 SEPTEMBER 2014

 

MEDIA CONTACT: LEADER’S OFFICE MEDIA UNIT – 02 6277 4053