MP behind Anthony Albanese Palestine fundraiser demands ‘immediate action’ on Gaza from Labor

The people who once dubbed Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke the “great Australian champions of Palestine” are demanding the government recognise Palestinian statehood.

A former Labor MP who hosted a fundraiser to thank Anthony Albanese for his “unwavering” support of Palestine has called on the Prime Minister to deliver his promises to the war-ravaged region now that he is in power.

It comes as other party insiders warned Mr Albanese was being dubbed a hypocrite and there was growing sentiment within the party that he had failed “loyal Labor supporters” who believed the leader would take a stronger stance on the conflict.

In 2019, Mr Albanese and Employee Relations Minister Tony Burke were labelled “great Australian champions of the Palestinian cause” at a fundraiser hosted by former NSW MP Shaoquett Moselmane.

“Anthony was always unwavering in his support for justice for Palestinians,” a speaker at the event said.

“Tony Burke whose unceasing efforts rallied large sections of the ALP in support of Palestine, and who, in conjunction with Albanese, aligned factions of the party in favour of recognition.”

Host Shaoquett Moselmane speaking at the event. Picture: Supplied

The prime minister spoke at the fundraiser.

Mr Moselmane is now calling on his “friend” for “immediate action” on recognising Palestine.

“He is a friend of mine for 20-30 years. I understand the push, the power of the lobby (but) I still have faith in Anthony and the Labor Party to do justice. There are significant numbers in the ALP — both rank and file and in the party — who are truly supportive of justice for the Palestinian people,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

“They should have the moral courage to do this. Labor has the moral courage to do it.”

Mr Moselmane, who was cleared of wrongdoing after ASIO raided his home — following allegations of Chinese espionage in 2020, left state parliament last year.

A fundraiser was hosted for Anthony Albanese in 2019 to thank him for his support of Palestine.

“I have faith in Anthony to deliver … I would like to see him announce effective recognition of Palestine as other countries have done recently — keeping with the party platform.”

Other Labor sources warned there was growing sentiment within the party that Mr Albanese must take a stronger stance on the conflict.

“People who attended that fundraiser were Labor supporters. Its disappointing for people who people have been loyal Labor supporters and committed to the party on a deep philosophical level,” one Labor MP said.

“There is no question the prime minister’s position is completely contradictory to the position he adopted in the past. There is a sense in the community that Labor has betrayed them.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese received an award at the event. Picture: Supplied

Australia voted Yes to grant Palestine full member status at the UN but Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the vote did not amount to Palestine statehood.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry’s Alex Ryvchin said “an immediate recognition of statehood would be a morally bankrupt position”.

“The way to create a genuine two-state solution is by building peaceful, democratic institutions that are willing and capable of coexisting with Israel. It’s not by recognising something that doesn’t exist.”

Tony Burke and Anthony Albanese at the fundraiser. Picture: Supplied

Greens senator David Shoebridge called on the government to take “real action” on the conflict in Gaza.

“Labor’s random mix of sad tweets, angry outbursts and tortured hand-wringing is not a credible policy for the conflict and the community can clearly see that.”

A government spokesman said Mr Albanese had “always advocated for a two-state solution”

“Right now, the Government is using Australia’s voice to advocate for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and humanitarian access, the release of hostages, and for the protection of civilians.”