Joyce calls for Australian role in protecting global oil routes
One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce says Australia should consider sending a navy ship to the Middle East to help secure global fuel supplies.
Joyce made the comments as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
About 20% of global oil supply travels through the strait, while around 90% of Iran’s oil exports pass through the region.
Calls for international naval support
The proposal follows calls from US President Donald Trump for allied nations to deploy warships to help protect shipping routes.
The request came after US strikes on Kharg Island, Iran’s largest oil export terminal.
Security concerns have increased in the region as the conflict risks disrupting global energy markets.
Joyce: Australia should be part of the effort
Speaking on ABC television, Joyce argued that countries benefiting from stable oil supplies should help protect them.
“You have to be part of a global effort,” he said.
“If you are part of a beneficiary of it being resolved, you’ve got to do something for it.”
Joyce said assisting international partners could help stabilise fuel supplies and global markets.
Questions over Australia’s naval capacity
However, Joyce also raised concerns about whether Australia currently has the naval resources available.
He noted that in previous situations Australia had struggled to send a naval frigate to assist international missions in the Red Sea.
“In the past, we weren’t able to get one frigate into the Red Sea,” Joyce said.
He questioned whether Australia currently has the capacity to support the United States in similar operations.
Wider debate over Australia’s role
The suggestion adds to a growing debate about how Australia should respond to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Energy security has become a key concern as disruptions in global oil supply chains can quickly affect fuel prices in Australia.
While the government has not announced any military deployment, analysts say the issue highlights the link between international conflicts and domestic fuel costs.