The federal opposition has accused the Albanese government of responding too slowly to the situation facing Australians stranded in the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate.
Shadow foreign minister Ted O’Brien said the government should have acted earlier to assist Australians in the region and consider broader evacuation options.
About 115,000 Australians are currently in the Middle East, according to government estimates, with many affected by disruptions to travel and regional instability.
The Australian government has urged citizens to return using commercial flights where available while preparing contingency plans for possible government-operated repatriation flights if conditions worsen.
O’Brien criticised what he described as inconsistent decision-making by the government.
He said diplomats and their families were evacuated from the region on 25 February due to security concerns but argued that similar warnings for the wider public were issued only several days later.
According to O’Brien, the delay came during a period when more than 100 ballistic missiles were launched in the conflict.
The opposition said the government now has a responsibility to ensure Australians in the region remain safe and have clear options for evacuation if needed.
