Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I have said publicly that the timing of the announcement, falling as it did on Simchat Torah, was deeply regrettable. I have said so publicly and I have said so in private. That is my view.

In relation to Israel, I will be clear. I have made sure that the ambassador is aware that I indicate this in the chamber: I have met with the ambassador, and we had a very constructive engagement. What I would say is that we both agree that Australia and Israel have a long and enduring friendship which we will both seek to strengthen.