Penny Wong is now speaking:

Even before today, the Albanese government had taken stronger action on Iran than any previous Australian government and we have long known that Iran and its proxies try to destabilise countries in our region and beyond.

The Director-General has outlined the conclusions of ASIO. Iran has sought to undermine the cohesion of our community, they have tried to divide the Australian community, and they have done so with acts of aggression that not only sought to terrify Australians, but put Australia’s – Australian lives in danger. Keeping Australians safe is our number one priority.

There is no doubt that these extraordinary and dangerous acts of aggression orchestrated by a foreign nation on Australian soil have crossed a line. And that’s why we have declared Iran’s ambassador to Australia persona non grata, as well as three other Iranian officials and they’ll have seven days to leave the country.

This is the first time in the postwar period that Australia has expelled an ambassador. Iran’s actions are completely unacceptable.

We’ll continue to maintain some diplomatic lines to advance the interests of Australians. In relation to our embassy in Iran, Australia had an embassy in Iran since 1968. At that time and since that time it’s never been an endorsement of the regime, it’s been a channel to advocate for our interests and for our people.

However, the government has now taken the step to withdraw our ambassador to Iran and we have suspended the operations of our embassy in Iran for the safety of our officials and Australians’ broader security.

Our officials are in a third country. I thank the DFAT officers and their families for their service and for their fortitude.

Since 2020, Australians have been advised not to travel to Iran, our limited ability to provide consular assistance is limited. I know many Australians have family connections in Iran, but I urge any Australian who may be considering travelling to Iran please do not do so. If you’re an Australian in Iran, leave now if it is safe to do so.

This has been a distressing time for many Australians. I again thank ASIO and AFP for their efforts. The Albanese government has been so determined through this period to keep our community united. We have sought to lower the temperature in Australia, and to not reproduce the conflict in the Middle East in Australia.

I again urge others to consider whether their actions help those who want to divide our nation. We all want the killing in the Middle East to stop, and we want to retain our character as a nation that welcomes people of different race, religion, views, united by respect for each other’s humanity and our collective desire to live in peace. We will always safeguard our communities and protect Australians from all forms of hate.