Australia stands ready to supply humanitarian aid to Iraq and has begun evacuating staff from diplomatic posts in Baghdad, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said.
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Ms Bishop has also reissued pleas for Australians visiting the country to leave immediately, if it is safe to do so, via the commercial airport in Baghdad.
The Foreign Minister again talked down the likelihood of Australia becoming involved in military action against jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, who last week seized control of Iraq's second largest city, Mosul.
The offensive is part of ISIL's plan to establish a Sunni Islamist state that runs from Iraq across the border into Syria and beyond.Ms Bishop said the federal government had been given "no indication that the United States would like us to help".
"At present our focus is on protecting Australian citizens and our interests in Iraq," she told ABC's Radio National on Monday.
But she said Australia would assist in the supply of humanitarian aid if called upon to do so.
"We have been talking with our British friends who have a team on the ground," she said.
"Britain is supplying sufficient humanitarian aid at this stage but we've not received a request to assist.
"We certainly stand ready to provide assistance should that be required."
She said the government was aware of more than 90 Australians in Iraq and said her "strong advice" was that they should leave.
"The international airport in Baghdad continues to operate normally," she said.
"There are commercial flights available, indeed, Turkish airlines has announced additional flights.
"I do reiterate advice that Australians in Iraq should depart immediately."
Ms Bishop said Australians concerned about family and friends in Iraq should try to contact them directly as consular assistance had been reduced because of the crisis.
People unable to do so are encouraged to call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24-hour consular emergency centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 if calling from overseas.
Ms Bishop said the government had made arrangements for several diplomatic staff to leave the country.
"We will keep an essential core there but we've already made arrangements for some of our staff to leave," she said.
