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

I'm also asked about events in the Middle East and our position. Our opposition has been very consistent. Our position has been consistent with the motion that was moved by Senator Wong in the Senate—one which people need to explain why it is that they objected to such a motion. It was about the need for the Senate to recognise the state of Palestine as part of a peace process in support of a two-state solution and a just and enduring peace. That's the view of those of us on this side of the House, that those in the Greens political party in the Senate and the coalition voted against. I don't understand what's objectionable about it.

The key to what needs to happen in the Middle East is that there needs to be support for President Biden's peace plan. There needs to be a ceasefire and an end to what has occurred in Gaza. There needs to be, therefore, a release of hostages. There needs to be increased humanitarian support for the people of Gaza, and there needs to be a lasting and enduring peace. That means the people of Palestine and Israel living side-by-side in peace and security. That is our position. That is something that we work towards.

It won't be achieved by resolutions in the Senate and stunts by the Greens. It won't be achieved by those people who choose to desecrate war memorials.

See this speech in context