Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The resolution reiterated that 'Australia's consistent position in all contexts is to call for the protection of civilian lives and the observance of international law'. The opposition voted for that a few weeks ago. Is that not their position now? The motion acknowledged that 'what has unfolded is deeply distressing for many in the Australian community'. It condemned 'all forms of hate speech'.

The position in the Middle East is a complex one and one that we know is causing great distress for Jewish Australians, for Palestinian Australians and for people of Islamic faith as well. We know that. We have a responsibility to not seek to politicise these matters but engage in a principled way going forward. I condemn unequivocally, as well, the decision by some to have a demonstration in Caulfield on Friday night, as I condemn unequivocally the decision to ride motorbikes through the eastern suburbs of Sydney—I condemn that sort of provocation. It is vital at this time that people in positions of leadership exercise that leadership in a responsible way and seek to bring people together. (Time expired)

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