QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator DAVID POCOCK (Australian Capital Territory—Independent ACT Whip) (14:30): My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Minister, I would like to ask about Australia's commitment to Afghans who assisted our Defence Force personnel during the Afghanistan war—Afghan men and women who laid their lives on the line, risking everything to help us.

Despite our country's commitment to protect them in return for their service, too many have been left behind. Two key programs, the locally engaged employee program and the pathway for high-risk women, have now closed, despite many Afghans not yet making it to Australia. You set out the principle yourself in this chamber in October 2023: Australia should stand by those who help us.

Minister, is the government satisfied it has kept its word in getting the people who served Australia to safety?