On November 21, 2024, a landmark conference, “Iran Update: Democratic Options During Heightened Crisis,” convened at the Australian Federal Parliament, bringing together senior Australian lawmakers, political figures, activists, and religious leaders to address the ongoing threats posed by Iran’s clerical regime. Hosted by Shadow Housing Minister Michael Sukkar, the event featured speeches by Senator Paul Scarr (Liberal Party), Andrew Wallace MP (Liberal-National), Senator David Shoebridge (Greens), Peter Cain (Leader of the ACT Liberal Party), Father Bill Crews, Father Brian Medway, and Nola Medway of the Friends of Iran Society. Special guest Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI-US), joined via video link from Washington, D.C.
The conference, moderated by Peter Murphy of the Australian Supporters of Democracy in Iran, explored strategies to counter the Iranian regime’s oppressive policies, including its sponsorship of terrorism, regional destabilization, and internal human rights abuses. The event concluded with a resounding call for Australia to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization and to support the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people.
Senator Paul Scarr of the Liberal Party expressed his solidarity with the Iranian people’s fight against the oppressive regime. He emphasized the importance of designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization, viewing it as a crucial step in combating state-sponsored terrorism. Senator Scarr also highlighted the activities of regime agents in Australia, who have reportedly threatened dissidents and called on the Iranian-Australian community to report such actions to authorities. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Iranian people’s pursuit of freedom and justice.
Iranian Resistance Addressing the Australian Parliament. https://t.co/INi46U7mHa Australian Parliamentarians Support the Iranian Resistance and Call for IRGC Designation. #irgcterrorists #FreeIran #FreeIran10PointPlan
— Alireza Jafarzadeh (@A_Jafarzadeh) November 23, 2024
Andrew Wallace, MP, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, reinforced Senator Paul Scarr’s call to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization. He underscored the Australian Parliament’s commitment to protecting the Iranian-Australian community and urged the government to block the activities of Iranian regime agents operating in Australia.
Senator David Shoebridge from the Greens condemned the Iranian regime’s human rights abuses, describing the global denunciation of its oppression and suppression of the Iranian people as an international duty. He strongly advocated for the Australian government to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, emphasizing his commitment to take all necessary actions to achieve this goal.
Mr. Peter Cain, Leader of the ACT Liberal Party, highlighted the severe human rights abuses in Iran and underscored the need for transformative change in the Middle East, asserting that such change is contingent on the overthrow of the Iranian regime.
I joined several Federal Parliamentarians & community leaders this afternoon to receive an update on the oppression faced by Iranians seeking greater freedoms & democratic reform in their country. I'm thankful to the Iranian Women's Association in Australia for the invitation. pic.twitter.com/BiIZJwGBk3
— Peter Cain MLA (@cain_mla) November 21, 2024
Reverend Bill Crews, a prominent Australian figure, and his wife Nola Medway expressed their solidarity with the Iranian people, describing it as a step toward justice and freedom. They emphasized the necessity of international efforts to support Iranian women and change the current situation. They also commended the activities of the Iranian-Australian community, calling it a symbol of solidarity and resistance in the pursuit of freedom for the Iranian people.
Reverend Brian Medway, a long-time supporter of the Iranian Resistance in Australia, condemned the brutal repression and escalating executions in Iran. He called on the Australian government to take firm action against regime agents operating within the country.
Kianoosh Sadeghpour, representing the Iranian-Australian community supportive of the Resistance, recounted highlights from 120 years of Iranian resistance against two oppressive regimes. He urged the Australian Parliament and the global community to take decisive action against the Iranian regime.
Iran Update, Democratic Options During Heightened Crisis
Australia Capital Hall, 21 November 2024 pic.twitter.com/vbvvFcmlGY— Mohammad Sadeghpour (@mo_sadeghpour) November 22, 2024
In his keynote speech, Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director of the NCRI-US, outlined the Iranian regime’s strategies of oppression and aggression, including its nuclear ambitions, regional interference, and domestic crackdowns. “This regime’s survival hinges on exporting terrorism and suppressing its people,” he said. Highlighting the recent spike in executions—over 800 in 2024 alone—Jafarzadeh declared, “The Iranian people’s war against tyranny is unwavering.”
Jafarzadeh presented the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan for Iran’s future, emphasizing its commitment to a secular, non-nuclear republic that guarantees human rights and gender equality. He urged Australia to take a leading role by supporting Iranian Resistance efforts, expelling regime agents, and isolating Tehran internationally. “Iran’s future lies in the hands of its people and its organized resistance,” Jafarzadeh concluded.
Key Outcomes
The conference underscored a unified call for action:
- Designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization to curb its global influence.
- Expulsion of Iranian regime agents from Australia to protect dissidents and prevent interference.
- Support for the NCRI’s Ten-Point Plan as a viable alternative to the current regime.
Moderator Peter Murphy closed the event by thanking participants and reiterating the urgency of international solidarity. The conference showcased Australia’s growing commitment to standing with the Iranian people, marking a pivotal moment in global efforts to promote democracy and justice in Iran.
