Australia politics live: two more Iranians reportedly seek asylum; NSW hospitals see record emergency attendances | Australia news

Wong did not confirm reports that more Iranian women football players are seeking asylum

The government remains silent on reports that two more women from the Iranian football team have sought asylum in Australia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Penny WongHe’s been making the media rounds this morning, telling the Today Show he’ll leave any developments to the home secretary. Tony Burke, He will hold a press conference later this morning.

Wong said the women were given the opportunity to speak to department officials alone, without their ministers present. He says the footage of the rest of the Iran team getting on and off the bus was “very confronting.”

Asked if he is concerned about their welfare and what will happen to those who return to Iran, Wong says:

I hesitate to increase speculation about the reaction when they return home because, frankly, we are concerned for their safety. We know that this regime has brutally treated women and girls, not its own citizens, and we’ve seen that over the years, which is why the government has gone to such lengths to ensure that people are given the right to choose, and as I said, they’ve been presented with an opportunity, and I should say they’ve had the opportunity to speak to Australian officials alone.