FOREIGN AFFAIRS
This election is happening at a time of grave uncertainties in foreign affairs. The world is less stable than it has been for decades.
At this time of uncertainty Donald Trump’s decisions about trade and defence bring significant uncertainty to our 80 year alliance.
I absolutely condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This unlawful military action has resulted in a huge number of civilian deaths and a humanitarian crisis, as thousands of Ukrainians are internally displaced or have fled abroad.
Trump’s seemingly flexible position on Ukraine and embracing of Russian positions should not affect Australia’s support of Ukraine’s national sovereignty and the upholding of international law.
As Australia considers its role in a new coalition of countries willing to support Ukraine, I will continue to advocate for decisions that will help Ukraine maintain its international rights without overcommitting Australia’s defence capability.
In this rapidly changing international context, we need leaders who are clear about the need to defend our national interests, including the rules-based order, democratic principles and free trade.
Defence and AUKUS
As an island nation, submarines are essential to our defence. Our commitment to AUKUS was based on our deep long-term alliance with the US and the interoperability of our defence systems.
Donald Trump’s unpredictable approach to geopolitics creates a growing risk that the US cannot or will not be able to deliver submarines to Australia under AUKUS.
It will be politically difficult for either major party to acknowledge the risks of AUKUS. But we cannot afford to wait and see.
It is inevitable that Australia will have to be more self reliant in defence both because of increasing international uncertainty and the demands of the US. There is a task ahead building social licence for higher (and prioritised) defence expenditure.
As an Independent, I can ask the hard questions that both parties would rather avoid. The next government will need to be very clear about what Australia stands for and our national interest.
Trade and tariffs
As a trading nation, Australia benefits significantly from the free trade philosophy that has been hard won by Australian governments of both persuasions.
Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on the US’s trading partners will harm the global economy. But Australia will not benefit from retaliation or escalation – it is in Australia’s interests to retain as many aspects of free trade as possible.
We faced damaging, politically-inspired trade restrictions from China that were dealt with successfully by patient diplomacy. Australia needs to continue to build fair trading relationships with as many nations as possible to reduce the risk of being at the mercy of any other nation.
Gaza
The Israel/Hamas conflict has been and continues to be devastating beyond belief.
Early on, I made the decision to refrain from public statements on the Hamas terrorist attack and the subsequent Israeli retaliation in Gaza because I believed anything I said would not help the reduce the conflict and instead could further break down our sometimes fragile social cohesion in Australia.
The frequently reported demonstrations within Israel by Israelis are a reminder of the complexity of the issues facing that nation and the differing approaches being debated in democratic Israel. Friends of Israel have to hope that it can find solutions that will work for it and achieve peace.
I have spoken and met with many constituents, advocates and concerned community groups and have passed on their messages to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong.
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, Palestinians and supporters in 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. These are challenging conditions precedent to success and can only be delivered by the parties involved. Without that the conflict will continue.
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 which fosters division 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 to live peacefully together as Australians.
