Jeff Kennett: More division weakens the unity of our multiculturalism, tolerance

The Voice referendum split Australia and now we are being divided over conflict in the Middle East — but wars beyond our shores should not put our multiculturalism and tolerance at risk.

First, we had the self-inflicted divisive act, being the recent Voice referendum, which as presented to us, was unnecessary, split the country, and did not achieve a thing for those it sought to recognise, and at great financial cost.

Now the community is being divided again as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Palestinians are the innocent victims as they are being used as a human shield by Hamas.

Of course, no one is totally innocent in any confrontation.

But surely the return of the Israeli hostages and then a cessation of fighting is the immediate solution.

Sadly, that conflict has led to the increasing, unacceptable anti-Semitic acts and behaviours here in Australia.

It’s unacceptable because those who are acting in such a way have made a conscious decision to live in this country Australia, invariably as far away from their homeland as possible for any one or more reasons.

That may have included war, and persecution, while Australia offered security, education, advancement and the rule of law.

Australia’s multiculturalism, our tolerance, should not be put at risk by rallies or worse by hate speech that is not part of the Australian ethos. Picture: David Crosling

Therefore, Australia’s multiculturalism, our tolerance, should not be put at risk by rallies or worse by hate speech that is not part of the Australian ethos.

Wars, difference of opinions in countries beyond our shores should not be fought out here in Australia.

Yes, I know our governments of both political persuasions have made decisions in the past to send Australians into conflicts when they thought doing so would best protect our independence.

And yes, such decisions were not universally supported. But the difference is that we were engaged in conflicts to protect Australian interests.

What the assembly of supporters of Israel and Palestine run the very real risk of inviting, is to attract among their ranks, not supporters of their cause, but extremists who will use such gatherings to foment violence. Once started, it’s hard to stop.

The government’s lack of action not only puts at risk the unity of the nation, but at worst, the safety of our law-enforcement personnel.

It is shocking enough being witness on our screens to the invasion of Israel on October 7, and everything that has happened since.

But it is equally frightening to see and hear of some of the behaviours here in Australia, that are responding to the conflict in the Middle East.

Division within any society, business or even football team weakens the whole. United we stand, divided we fall.

The differences that exist in the Middle East have been so for centuries, and sadly centuries later the same battles are being fought.

Their battles thankfully are not our battles and should not become so here in Australia.

We are Australians, we are one, and we should work hard to protect our cohesiveness.

The criticism of the number of international trips that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has and is making overseas is ill-founded and short-sighted. Picture: AAP

I am often disappointed by how many Australians, either led by, or following media reports, take a myopic view of events.

The criticism of the number of international trips that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has and is making overseas is ill-founded and short-sighted.

Australia is such a small player on the world stage. If we are invited to international forums, to visit other countries, to build relationships with their leaders, it is in Australia’s best interest that our leader attends the meetings, or visit our neighbours to meet their leaders.

Relationships, understandings are so much better developed when meetings can take place in person, rather than by Zoom or phone.

A good leader of any organisation should have a team of competent people, in this case to keep the country running, addressing the issues of the day.

Also, the Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, has been harpooned because of the cost of breakfast and laundry the government paid while travelling to the United States while on national business on our behalf.

Staying in hotels is a necessary part of international travel. Costs within hotels can be expensive compared to ours, but what does one do - not have breakfast? Do your own washing when you go from meeting to meeting?

Some of our media were salivating at the costs incurred by Mr Marles. What was spent was on the basics needed to do one’s job. Have breakfast and wear clean clothes.

Do we really want our senior leaders when travelling abroad to stay in backpacker hostels?

Have a good day.

Jeff Kennett is a former Premier of Victoria