Gaza

Constituents contact me daily regarding the war in Gaza and I share the feelings of distress and desperation felt by so many people. It is heartbreaking that this conflict continues, despite the international calls for a ceasefire. It has taken an unacceptable toll on civilian lives in Gaza, Rafah and now Lebanon, with women and children suffering disproportionately.  I hear your calls for action.  

I support the State of Israel’s right to defend itself and specifically to recover its hostages. The people of Israel have endured unspeakable horrors in the past and they continue to live in a state of uncertainty and fear.   

But it is difficult to accept that the continual bombardment and the scale of civilian deaths is justifiable.  Australia must insist that Israel and all parties to this conflict comply with international law. 

I believe that for peace to ever be achieved in this region, a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine must be agreed. To be successful, surrounding countries will need to recognise Israel’s right to exist and Israel will need to recognise the right of Palestinians to their own state. 

I continue to meet and correspond with Senator Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, to ask the Government to call for:  

·         an enduring ceasefire; 

·         the release of all remaining hostages;  

·         an increase in humanitarian support;  

·         compliance with international and humanitarian law (including abiding by the ICJ interim ruling), and 

·         public condemnation of any breach of these laws.  

I have also sought more information from the Government about any arms trade Australia has with Israel. We have been assured that there are no current defence exports to Israel, and that there is no transfer of ammunition or weapon parts. I will continue to raise this with the Government to ensure this position doesn’t change.

Almost half of us in Australia were born overseas or have a parent who was born overseas.  Australians of all backgrounds should feel safe and free here without fear of being subject to racial slurs or vilification.  I condemn any antisemitic or Islamophobic language directed to anyone living in Australia.    

Australia is a culturally diverse, civil and tolerant nation. We must hold tightly to the democratic values that underpin our national identity and enable diverse communities.