Robert Pether’s Fight to Come Home

At Senate Estimates, I raised my ongoing concerns with the Department regarding Mr Robert Pether, an Australian engineer who was unfairly jailed in Iraq and is now being held under a travel ban that prevents him from returning home to Australia.

His situation is dire — he is severely unwell, homeless, unable to work, and has very limited resources.

I asked what assistance the Australian Government is providing and was told he is receiving consular support. I was also informed that the Government is actively engaged with Iraqi authorities, and that his plight has been raised by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Australian Ambassador — most recently in September this year.

Let’s hope the Iraqi authorities are listening.

— Senate Estimates | October 2025