Tasmania headed to snap election after parliament turns on Rockliff

Tasmanians look set to vote in their second state election in less than two years after parliament passed a vote of no-confidence in Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Labor Opposition Leader Dean Winter's motion passed the Tasmanian Parliament on Wednesday afternoon 18 votes to 17 with the support of the Greens, and after speaker Michelle O'Byrne used her casting vote in favour.

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The Advertiser

5 hours ago

• The Advertiser

Australia urges de-escalation as US strikes Iran

Australia has called for a de-escalation as the situation in the Middle East continues to devolve following Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran. The US military struck three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday morning AEST in a move the American president declared a "spectacular military success". But the conflict could continue to worsen as Mr Trump warned "there will be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days". The Australian government has consistently pushed for dialogue and diplomacy since Israel first launched strikes on Iran in mid June, and has continued to do so in the aftermath of Mr Trump's announcement. "We note the US president's statement that now is the time for peace," a government spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday. "The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. "We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security." Questions have been raised over whether Australia - as a US ally - should bolster American efforts in the Middle East. The federal government has insisted Australia is not a central player in the conflict, and only deployed defence assets to the region to assist in evacuation efforts, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong repeatedly emphasising they are not there to engage in combat. Meanwhile, the opposition has supported America's actions in Iran, noting they were taken to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. "The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and acting opposition spokesman for foreign affairs Andrew Hastie wrote in a joint statement. "While Australians will never seek conflict in the world, we can never forget that the Iranian regime is a militantly theocratic autocracy. "It is the Iranian people who are the victims of this brutal regime and we stand in solidarity with them." At least 430 people have been killed and another 3500 injured in Iran according to Iranian media outlet Nour News, while local Israeli authorities have reported 24 civilian deaths and almost 1300 injuries. The casualty toll from US strikes is yet unclear but Greens leader Larissa Waters called the event a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation". "You cannot bomb your way to peace," she said in a statement. "Australia must always work for peace and de-escalation. Australia is not powerless, and we cannot be involved in another brutal war in the Middle East." About 2600 Australians in Iran are seeking assisted departures from the region, alongside about 1200 in Israel as the government urges travellers not to venture to either nation. Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs have evacuated the Tehran embassy and are helping Australians leave through the border in Azerbaijan. Some Australians have already left through land crossings but the government is also poised to help citizens leave once the airspace over both nations re-opens. Australia has called for a de-escalation as the situation in the Middle East continues to devolve following Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran. The US military struck three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday morning AEST in a move the American president declared a "spectacular military success". But the conflict could continue to worsen as Mr Trump warned "there will be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days". The Australian government has consistently pushed for dialogue and diplomacy since Israel first launched strikes on Iran in mid June, and has continued to do so in the aftermath of Mr Trump's announcement. "We note the US president's statement that now is the time for peace," a government spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday. "The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. "We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security." Questions have been raised over whether Australia - as a US ally - should bolster American efforts in the Middle East. The federal government has insisted Australia is not a central player in the conflict, and only deployed defence assets to the region to assist in evacuation efforts, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong repeatedly emphasising they are not there to engage in combat. Meanwhile, the opposition has supported America's actions in Iran, noting they were taken to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. "The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and acting opposition spokesman for foreign affairs Andrew Hastie wrote in a joint statement. "While Australians will never seek conflict in the world, we can never forget that the Iranian regime is a militantly theocratic autocracy. "It is the Iranian people who are the victims of this brutal regime and we stand in solidarity with them." At least 430 people have been killed and another 3500 injured in Iran according to Iranian media outlet Nour News, while local Israeli authorities have reported 24 civilian deaths and almost 1300 injuries. The casualty toll from US strikes is yet unclear but Greens leader Larissa Waters called the event a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation". "You cannot bomb your way to peace," she said in a statement. "Australia must always work for peace and de-escalation. Australia is not powerless, and we cannot be involved in another brutal war in the Middle East." About 2600 Australians in Iran are seeking assisted departures from the region, alongside about 1200 in Israel as the government urges travellers not to venture to either nation. Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs have evacuated the Tehran embassy and are helping Australians leave through the border in Azerbaijan. Some Australians have already left through land crossings but the government is also poised to help citizens leave once the airspace over both nations re-opens. Australia has called for a de-escalation as the situation in the Middle East continues to devolve following Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran. The US military struck three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday morning AEST in a move the American president declared a "spectacular military success". But the conflict could continue to worsen as Mr Trump warned "there will be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days". The Australian government has consistently pushed for dialogue and diplomacy since Israel first launched strikes on Iran in mid June, and has continued to do so in the aftermath of Mr Trump's announcement. "We note the US president's statement that now is the time for peace," a government spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday. "The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. "We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security." Questions have been raised over whether Australia - as a US ally - should bolster American efforts in the Middle East. The federal government has insisted Australia is not a central player in the conflict, and only deployed defence assets to the region to assist in evacuation efforts, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong repeatedly emphasising they are not there to engage in combat. Meanwhile, the opposition has supported America's actions in Iran, noting they were taken to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. "The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and acting opposition spokesman for foreign affairs Andrew Hastie wrote in a joint statement. "While Australians will never seek conflict in the world, we can never forget that the Iranian regime is a militantly theocratic autocracy. "It is the Iranian people who are the victims of this brutal regime and we stand in solidarity with them." At least 430 people have been killed and another 3500 injured in Iran according to Iranian media outlet Nour News, while local Israeli authorities have reported 24 civilian deaths and almost 1300 injuries. The casualty toll from US strikes is yet unclear but Greens leader Larissa Waters called the event a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation". "You cannot bomb your way to peace," she said in a statement. "Australia must always work for peace and de-escalation. Australia is not powerless, and we cannot be involved in another brutal war in the Middle East." About 2600 Australians in Iran are seeking assisted departures from the region, alongside about 1200 in Israel as the government urges travellers not to venture to either nation. Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs have evacuated the Tehran embassy and are helping Australians leave through the border in Azerbaijan. Some Australians have already left through land crossings but the government is also poised to help citizens leave once the airspace over both nations re-opens. Australia has called for a de-escalation as the situation in the Middle East continues to devolve following Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran. The US military struck three Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday morning AEST in a move the American president declared a "spectacular military success". But the conflict could continue to worsen as Mr Trump warned "there will be peace, or there will be tragedy for Iran far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days". The Australian government has consistently pushed for dialogue and diplomacy since Israel first launched strikes on Iran in mid June, and has continued to do so in the aftermath of Mr Trump's announcement. "We note the US president's statement that now is the time for peace," a government spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday. "The security situation in the region is highly volatile. We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy. "We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security." Questions have been raised over whether Australia - as a US ally - should bolster American efforts in the Middle East. The federal government has insisted Australia is not a central player in the conflict, and only deployed defence assets to the region to assist in evacuation efforts, with Foreign Minister Penny Wong repeatedly emphasising they are not there to engage in combat. Meanwhile, the opposition has supported America's actions in Iran, noting they were taken to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. "The world can never accept a nuclear-armed Iranian regime and today the United States military has taken proactive action to ensure that we never need to," Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and acting opposition spokesman for foreign affairs Andrew Hastie wrote in a joint statement. "While Australians will never seek conflict in the world, we can never forget that the Iranian regime is a militantly theocratic autocracy. "It is the Iranian people who are the victims of this brutal regime and we stand in solidarity with them." At least 430 people have been killed and another 3500 injured in Iran according to Iranian media outlet Nour News, while local Israeli authorities have reported 24 civilian deaths and almost 1300 injuries. The casualty toll from US strikes is yet unclear but Greens leader Larissa Waters called the event a "terrifying and catastrophic escalation". "You cannot bomb your way to peace," she said in a statement. "Australia must always work for peace and de-escalation. Australia is not powerless, and we cannot be involved in another brutal war in the Middle East." About 2600 Australians in Iran are seeking assisted departures from the region, alongside about 1200 in Israel as the government urges travellers not to venture to either nation. Staff from the Department of Foreign Affairs have evacuated the Tehran embassy and are helping Australians leave through the border in Azerbaijan. Some Australians have already left through land crossings but the government is also poised to help citizens leave once the airspace over both nations re-opens.

ABC News

10 hours ago

• ABC News

One delayed Spirit of Tasmania ship to arrive in August, premier says

The newest Spirit of Tasmania ship is finally set to leave Europe and start heading to Tasmania in just over a week. It follows a lengthy saga involving mechanical delays and an infrastructure debacle. Spirit of Tasmania IV was due to leave Finland late last year, but ferry operator TT-Line failed to build its berth on time. The ship was then moved to a port in Scotland while the Liberal government explored options to lease it out. That is where it has been for the past six months. The ship was expected to leave in May, but then an issue was detected with its liquid natural gas (LNG) system. Finnish shipbuilder Rauma Marine Construction has managed to modify the system, and the ship has been undertaking sea trials. On Sunday, Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff revealed the ferry would be expected to leave Scotland and make its way to Australia in 10 days' time. He said the journey would take about six weeks, with the predicted arrival in August. The ship will head to Hobart where it will receive final fit-outs. Its berth in Devonport is not expected to be completed until at least October 2026. It is unclear what will happen to the ferry until it can be used to transport passengers between Tasmania and the mainland. The ship is one of two new ferries that were built in Finland. Spirit V is still undertaking sea trials. The Spirit of Tasmania saga was one of three reasons listed on Labor's successful no-confidence motion against the Premier. The no-confidence motion eventually led to the calling of the election. During its campaign, Labor has drawn attention to the many issues with the project and promised that both ships would be home before Christmas. On Sunday, Labor leader Dean Winter also said he would make sure the new ferries could refuel with locally produced LNG at their home port. The two new ferries have a dual fuel system, meaning that they can run on both diesel and LNG. Mr Winter said upgrading the LNG facilities in Devonport will trigger more that $70 million in private investment and create 150 construction jobs and 15 ongoing roles. Tasmanian Gas Pipeline chief executive Wacek Lipski said this was not new technology and the fact private companies ran on it proved it made economic sense. "All up there's 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions to be saved by switching to LNG," Mr Lipski said. "The vessels are covered by safeguard mechanisms … [that] means the vessels must reduce emissions now and by 2030 be 43 per cent from where they are now. Mr Lipski said his company had the capital and technical knowledge to take on the project, it just needed an agreement with ferry operator TT-Line. The Liberals said all refuelling options were being planned for. "These are matters that are already being addressed by TT-Line," Mr Rockliff said. "All options will be canvassed to ensure that we do have the right infrastructure."

Perth Now

10 hours ago

• Perth Now

ScoMo's warning to Albo after Iran strikes

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has accused the Albanese Labor government of not showing enough 'clarity' on the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, Mr Morrison urged Labor to back the United States' attack on Iran's nuclear sites, after Donald Trump deployed a series of strikes on the country's three nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan. 'I think there's been far too much ambiguity about this from Australia, far too much ambiguity, and it's time for clarity,' Mr Morrison said. 'And the clarity is we were dealing with a theocratic authoritarian state that had sponsored an attack on close friends in Israel back on the seventh of October, and they have shown their true colours, and Iran is not a friend of Australia. It's not a friend of Australia's interests. 'We should be expressing no ambiguity when it comes to Iran.' Former prime minister Scott Morrison said Australia had shown 'far too much ambiguity' over the Israel-Iran conflict. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Following Mr Trump's confirmation of the strikes, a government spokesperson said Labor has noted Mr Trump's statements, and reiterated the President's comments that 'now is the time for peace'. 'We have been clear that Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile program has been a threat to international peace and security,' they said. 'The security situation in the region is highly volatile. 'We continue to call for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy.' They also urged the 2600 Australians in Iran and 1200 in Israel to monitor public safety information by local authorities and 'shelter in place when required'. 'The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be communicating directly with registered Australians about preparations for assisted departures,' they said. Mr Morrison gave his firm backing of Mr Trump's decision to strike the three Iranian nuclear bases, saying the US were the 'only ones who could do it'. He said the move was done not to 'oppose some sort of regime change', but to end the threat of Iran's nuclear programs, and were 'totally justified given the threat that was faced'. 'This has been the most decisive and the most comprehensive action to terminate that threat,' Mr Morrison told Sky. 'This is not the place that President Trump would rather be. He has not rushed towards this and further, this is not about the US trying to oppose some sort of regime change, they have a very specific job here that they have undertaken.' In the wake of the strikes, Mr Trump urged the Iranian regime to 'make peace' or risk 'greater' and 'easier' attacks. 'There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we have witnessed over the last eight days,' he said. 'Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal. 'But if peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed and skill. 'Most of them can be taken out in a matter of minutes.' US President Donald Trump says Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been 'completely and totally obliterated'. Mr Trump has addressed the nation after the United States carried out attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, marking a significant development in the conflict in the Middle East. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government remained concerned about the prospect of escalation and continued calls for dialogue, denying claims the government was trying to distance itself from the US. However he acknowledged Israel's 'right to defend itself', and the 'risk that the Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile program represents to both the region and the stability of the world'. He said the Department of Foreign Affairs remained alert in trying to evacuate the thousands of Australians caught in Iran and Israel. 'We do have civilian aircraft chartered ready to go in the event that airspace opens up over Iran and Israel, and right now that is the biggest constraint here, that both airspace over both countries is closed,' he said. 'We have a C-17 and a KC-30 which both can take hundreds of passengers placed in Al Minhad (in the United Arab Emirates), which is just outside of Dubai.' Mr Marles said the staff at Al Minhad had been increased from 'about 40, to 'about 300'. US President Donald Trump warned of further attacks on Iran if it doesn't 'make peace'. Carlos Barria/ NewsWire POOL Credit: NewsWire Greens Leader Larissa Waters said the US strikes on Iran were a 'terrifying and catastrophic escalation by the USA,' and called on Mr Albanese to condemn the actions. 'From Iraq to Afghanistan, we have seen Australia follow the US into devastating and brutal wars that have done untold damage to the people of the Middle East. We know that you cannot bomb your way to peace,' she said. Greens defence and foreign affairs spokesman David Shoebridge said Australia should distance itself from the US' actions, including withdrawing from the AUKUS defence pact. 'That means ending the AUKUS agreement, prohibiting the use of US military bases in Australia, including Pine Gap, from being used in this conflict, and clearly opposing military action by the US and Israel against Iran,' he said. 'Like every war, the cost will not be carried by governments, but by people, families and communities who face destruction. 'The impact of war is always inflicted on ordinary people. The Iranian people, who currently face oppression under the Iranian regime, are only put at further risk of violence and persecution by these US and Israeli attacks.'