Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I have no such suspicions as are imputed by the member for Sydney. What I can tell the House, though, is that Minister Payne and her Indonesian counterpart had a constructive discussion on 16 October regarding Australia's announcement. I continue to remain in contact with President Widodo. Minister Payne emphasised that there had been no change to Australia's commitment to the Middle East peace process and to a durable and resilient two-state solution that allowed Israel and a future Palestine state to exist side by side within internationally recognised borders. We are aware of Indonesia's views on the Middle East peace process. They are entitled to their views, and we will discuss those views with them, as I am anticipating doing as we go through the summit season. I can discuss the views that I have articulated on behalf of our government, which is a position which is held by our government, by our members, by our cabinet and by our National Security Committee.

That is our view when it comes to the state of Israel. That is our view when it comes to the Iran nuclear deal. I don't know what the Labor Party's view is, Mr Speaker, because when I read what the member for Melbourne Ports said when he was asked in May of this year, 'Do you think the embassy should be moved to Jerusalem?' the member for Melbourne Ports said: 'It's where the Israeli capital is. It's where the Knesset is. It's where all of the ministries are. Provided it doesn't preclude further negotiations when the Palestinians come to their senses.' That's the view of the member for Melbourne Ports. I suspect the member for Wills has a very similar view. I know the member for Sydney thinks Israel is a rogue state, Mr Speaker.

Mr Perrett interjecting—

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