Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has voiced his strong support for Australia’s role in joining the multinational effort to help Kurdish fighters in Iraq.

In a statement to Parliament today Mr Taylor condemned the actions of Islamic extremists as “depraved” and “barbaric”.

“I have received countless messages and expressions of outrage from constituents in Hume in response to the atrocities in Iraq – and indeed in Syria.

“In keeping with the instincts of most Australians, the action that is being taken by the Australian Government - in supporting a multi-nation effort to supply equipment and supplies to Kurdish fighters - is sending a strong signal to the Islamic State terrorists, that we repudiate their barbaric actions,” Mr Taylor said.

“We repudiate in the strongest possible terms the mass slaughter of innocent people, the enslaving of women and children, the torture of civilians - the unspeakable crimes that risk becoming genocide. That children are exposed to these depraved acts – and sometimes even recruited to participate - is an outrage many of us cannot get our heads around. Those living amongst this horror must be feeling indescribable fear.

“While what is happening in Iraq right now is a world away, it is with us every day in images we see on the television and in social media. I think it is right that these scenes, as disturbing as they are, be published.

“There is much praise in the community for the strong stance the Prime Minister and the government has taken. In coming days, Australian aircraft will join an airlift of supplies, including military equipment, to the Kurdish regional government in Erbil. American, British, French, Canadian and Italian aircraft will also be involved. This involvement comes at the request of the Obama administration and with the support of the Iraqi government.

“Understandably, there is also concern amongst many Australians about us over committing to another conflict in Iraq. The Government acknowledges the spectrum of views.

“It is my strong opinion, to do nothing is indefensible,” Mr Taylor said.