Radio National Breakfast Breakfast Wrap: Iranian soccer players granted asylum
Mar 9, 2026
Joanna Holden, mayor of Katherine, talks flooding, damaged infrastructure and crocodiles in floodwaters. Sally Auld, NAB chief economist, discusses inflation risks and the impact of rising oil prices. Tracey Holmes, journalist, recounts the Iranian women's footballers fleeing and seeking asylum. Short, punchy reports on humanitarian drama, economic pressures and extreme weather challenges.
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Australia Grants Humanitarian Visas To Five Players
- Australia granted humanitarian visas to five members of the Iranian women's football team after they sought to stay following safety concerns.
- Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke met them, AFP moved them to a safe location, and Department of Home Affairs completed processing just after 1:30am.
Players Fled Hotel Through Underground Car Park
- Tracey Holmes described the hotel escape: five players left via a stairwell and underground car park, escorted by the Australian Federal Police.
- The lobby went into lockdown and the departure occurred around 7pm amid mayhem, illustrating the urgency and risk.
Use Trauma Informed Processes For Potential Trafficking
- Dr James Cockain urged trauma-informed AFP interviews with female officers, Farsi interpreters, safety guarantees, and clear visa pathways for potential trafficking victims.
- He referred the matter to AFP and highlighted 'exit trafficking' laws that criminalise coercing people to leave Australia.