Andrew Wallace warns PM, Wong not to ‘reward’ October 7 massacre
A Queensland MP has warned that Australia’s support for a Palestine state at the United Nations would be seen as a reward for the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
Sunshine Coast
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A Queensland MP has warned that Australia’s support for a Palestine state at the United Nations would be seen as a reward for the atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on October 7.
Andrew Wallace, a former political advisor to the Australian Mission at the UN General Assembly, called on Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong to ‘show some guts’ and stand with one of its most important allies, Israel.
The UN General Assembly is set to debate the issue of Palestinian Statehood on Friday.
Mr Wallace said at present, more than 1 in 4 nations do not recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, including Australia and a number of western democratic allies.
The Sunshine Coast-based MP said Australia has a long-held and public commitment to a two-state solution through a direct, negotiated and lasting peace settlement.
Membership of the UN General Assembly as a recognised State requires the support of 2/3 of member states, preceded by a recommendation for admission from the UN Security Council – over which the US has consistently and recently exercised its veto power.
The Australian reports Australia is most likely to abstain from the vote however Foreign Minister Penny Wong has more recently spoken in support of statehood. Arab nations, together with China and Russia, were expected to support the push.
Israel has been under intense international pressure, including from the US and Australia, given the large number of women and children killed during its relentless bombing raids on Gaza. Israel has defended its operations saying Hamas continues to use its own people as human shields.
At home, Israel has also faced mounting protest to do more to have the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7 released.
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said the Palestinian people needed to be “granted their basic, inherent right to participate in decision-making at UN level, about issues that directly concern their lives”.
But Mr Wallace claimed any statehood vote would be seen to reward ‘mass murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, and the taking of around 250 hostages, 139 of whom remain in captivity’.
Mr Wallace, who serves as the Deputy Chair of the Joint Standing Committee’s Defence Subcommittee – which he chaired under the previous Coalition Government – said ‘a principled and pragmatic policy’ would see Australia stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its most important allies.
“Foreign policy isn’t about feel-good sentiments, photo opps, or keeping everyone happy. Global leadership demands strength, conviction, and the courage to fight for Australia’s interests, even if that means fighting alone,” Mr Wallace said.
“For two years, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong have travelled the world, spruiking mixed messages on issues central to Australia’s national security, sovereignty and standing in the world: from China, Russia and Iran to the crucial US-Australia alliance,” Mr Wallace said.
“Anything less than a vote against Palestinian statehood is an affront to the Jewish people and our allies, including the people of Israel,” Mr Wallace warned.
“Even in a purely practical sense, there’s no gain for the Australian people in supporting the vote. Why would the Federal Government choose to act against our closest allies when the proposition is dead in the water?” Mr Wallace said.
“The United States has already exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council to reject Palestinian statehood, just last month.”
“From the battlefields of Beersheba to the boardrooms of Brisbane, Australia’s deep and enduring relationship with the people of Israel has captured the very essence of mateship, innovation and resolve,” Mr Wallace said.
“We cannot abandon Israel now.”
“It’s time for the PM and the Foreign Minister to show some guts, or get out of the way. Australia can’t afford any more broken promises or backflips from this reckless, witless, and gutless Labor Government.”
Mr Wallace, who has been outspoken in support of Israel, particularly after a visit to areas hit by the October 7 attacks, is chair of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus, which is part of a global alliance of parliamentarians dedicated to combating antisemitism, promoting interfaith dialogue, and supporting positive trade and relations with the State of Israel.
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