Tony Burke to Address Situation in Brisbane
Donald Trump’s announcement regarding Australia granting asylum to five Iranian women footballers dominated the news. Trump mentioned he had spoken with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who informed him of the decision, though some team members reportedly felt compelled to return home.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke is expected to provide a statement about the women in Brisbane, potentially clarifying the circumstances.
Here is the detailed news coverage:
ASX Set to Rebound Following Trump’s Comments
Australian shares are anticipated to rise sharply after Donald Trump described the war on Iran as a “short-term excursion,” boosting investor optimism that Middle East oil supply disruptions may soon stabilize.
Futures pricing suggests the S&P/ASX 200 index will increase by over 2.2% to approximately 8,750 points, recovering much of recent losses.
Equity markets have been volatile due to the Middle East conflict, as energy disruptions and higher oil prices contribute to global inflation by increasing costs across various goods and services.
The recent optimism followed Trump’s remarks indicating a possible earlier resolution to the conflict and noting that vessels are beginning to move more freely through the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices declined overnight, while Wall Street stocks rose, setting the stage for a positive session on the ASX.
Chris Weston, head of research at Melbourne-based financial firm Pepperstone, commented this morning that the “pressure valve” has been released temporarily.
“However, volatility across energy markets remains exceptionally elevated.”
Burke Shares Photo with Iranian Women Footballers
Tony Burke posted a photograph of his meeting with the five Iranian women’s football team players who have been granted humanitarian visas to live in Australia.
The government announced it had collaborated with the players and security agencies over several days to facilitate their asylum.
Burke used social media to share the news, including the customary photo of signing official documents.
PM Confirms Superannuation Reforms to Pass Senate
After securing support from the Greens, Prime Minister Albanese stated at the conclusion of his press conference that the superannuation reform bill will pass the Senate this week.
“It will assist income earners, but it will make the superannuation system more progressive and I thank the majority of the Senate for agreeing to what is a very sensible reform.”
More information about the bill and its three-year development can be found in related coverage.
PM Restrains Details on Trump Call
While Albanese shared some information about his phone call with Donald Trump concerning the Iranian women, he declined to answer further questions.
When asked by journalist Tom McIlroy whether he communicated his call for de-escalation to Trump, Albanese replied briefly:
“I refer you to previous answers.”
Similarly, when questioned about seeking assurances from Trump that the war was nearing an end, the Prime Minister gave the same response.
Despite not holding a press conference immediately after the call, Albanese had already shared some details publicly.
Australian Role Emphasized as Defensive Only
The government has stressed that Australia’s involvement is limited to providing defensive capabilities and does not include offensive actions against Iran.
The deployment of the Australian military surveillance aircraft was at the request of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that 85 Australian personnel will be deployed with the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, which constitutes the “normal crew.”
“Our involvement is purely defensive, and it’s in defence of Australians who are in the region, as well as in defence of our friends in the United Arab Emirates, who are good friends of Australia and Australians, we have a free trade agreement with them that’s opened up the markets of the Middle East.”
PM Details Early Morning Call with Trump
Albanese revealed he spoke with Donald Trump just before 2am, prior to the US president posting on his social media platform Truth Social about Australia granting asylum to the Iranian women footballers.
The Prime Minister refrained from disclosing private conversation details but noted Trump’s concern for the team’s welfare.
“President Trump rang me this morning, just before 2am we had a very positive discussion. He was concerned about the Iranian women in the soccer team and their welfare and their safety if they returned home, he conveyed that to me. I was able to convey to him the action that we’d undertaken over the previous 48 hours, and that five of the team had asked for assistance and had received it and were safely located.”
When later asked if military deployments were discussed further, Albanese responded:
“It was a warm conversation between myself and President Trump, primarily about the Iranian soccer team. But obviously we also discussed world events.”
Energy Minister Bowen Assures Diesel Supply Stability
Energy Minister Chris Bowen urged Australians not to panic buy petrol and reassured the public that fuel stocks remain sufficient, with 32 days of reserve petrol available.
“My key message is that every single expected arrival diesel supply in recent days and expected in coming days and weeks has arrived on schedule as expected, so there is no need for panic buying.”
Bowen acknowledged challenges in international supply chains but stated that government preparations, including the minimum stock obligation, are effective.
“If it’s necessary to access those minimum supplies, we will, but we’re not there at this point.”
He expressed empathy for farmers concerned about supply but clarified the current issue is managing increased demand rather than supply shortages.
Flight Disruptions and Security Concerns Highlighted by Wong
Foreign Minister Penny Wong reported that the government is working continuously to assist tens of thousands of Australians evacuating the region.
Since 28 February, 27,000 flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled.
Australian consular officials remain on the ground, and 2,600 Australians have returned on commercial flights. Qatar has started permitting limited commercial flights out.
“There are many more Australians still in the Middle East and we do understand these are difficult decisions for Australians and their families.
The security situation is deteriorating and it is likely to get worse before it gets better. We’ve also been focused on trying to offer options to Australians where no flights were involved.”
Military Deployment at UAE Request Confirmed by Marles
At a press conference attended by senior officials, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed the deployment of the E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft was requested by the UAE.
He described the aircraft as “one of the leading capabilities in terms of airborne, long-range reconnaissance and command.”
“The airframe will be leaving Australia today, and the expectation is that it will be in the region in the middle of the week and operational by the end of the week. We have also received a request from the UAE to supply advanced, medium-range air missiles and ramps, and we will be supplying a number of those to the UAE.”
Marles reiterated that the deployment is defensive, aimed at protecting Gulf nations under attack from Iran.
Albanese Offers Support to Iranian Women Footballers
The Prime Minister stated the government has been preparing to support the Iranian women’s football team, who have been competing in Australia’s Women’s Asian Cup.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed five players have been granted humanitarian visas.
Albanese assured that assistance will be available to other players wishing to seek asylum.
“We’ve been preparing for this for some time. Indeed, the minister for home affairs, Tony Burke, travelled to Queensland on Sunday, returned and then travelled again last night. Australians have been moved by the plight of these brave women.
They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here. The AFP have had plans in place with Commissioner Krissy Barrett directly involved, and once it was made clear that these women wanted assistance, the Australian police moved them to assist to a safe location where they remain.
We’re willing to provide assistance to other women in the team, noting that this is a very delicate situation, and it is up to them, but we say to them, if you want our help, help is here, and we will provide that.”
Australia to Deploy Surveillance Aircraft and Missiles to Gulf
Speaking in Canberra, Prime Minister Albanese announced the deployment of an E-7A Wedgetail military surveillance plane as 12 countries face attacks from Iran in the region.
He noted that the UAE has already had to shoot down over 1,500 drones and rockets.
Albanese reiterated that the deployment is defensive rather than offensive.
“We’re taking defensive action to support our partners efforts to keep Australians safe, deployed ADF assets will operate according to the right of collective self-defence.”
The Wedgetail will provide long-range reconnaissance to help protect and secure airspace, with Australian Defence Force personnel deployed initially for four weeks to support collective self-defence of Gulf nations.
Shadow Minister Duniam Welcomes Humanitarian Visas
Shadow Home Affairs Minister Jonathon Duniam praised the government’s decision to grant asylum to five Iranian women footballers currently in Australia.
Speaking on , Duniam described the outcome as “good” and noted his communications with Tony Burke over the weekend.
He expressed hope that more team members would choose to seek asylum in Australia.
Regarding whether Donald Trump influenced the outcome, Duniam stated:
“I do know that the government were actively working on this for a number of days in relation to the pressures that these women were probably facing and what we as a country would think is right. So I don’t think he’s driven it. I think that despite the radio silence and the minister outlined why there wasn’t a running commentary on this, and I think it is reasonable.”
