Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate take note of the answers given by ministers to questions without notice asked by Opposition senators today.

Israel has been a close and dear friend of Australia for decades. The Australia-Israel bilateral relationship has been one of the more important pillars in Australia's international relations since the end of the Second World War. It should be remembered that Australia was one of 37 countries that voted in favour of admitting Israel into the United Nations. Even before 1949, Australia's connection to the Jewish homeland dated back to the Great War, which saw Australia's involvement in pushing back the Ottoman Empire, as part of the Sinai and Palestine campaign. Therefore, it is very disappointing—indeed, concerning—that the Albanese Labor government has made the decision to reverse the previous government's decision to no longer continue to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The decision was rushed, was not considered properly and was reckless. Even after reassurances to stakeholders from senior Labor government ministers that there will be no difference in the party's policies, they have still taken this decision and misled the Australian people and, indeed, the Jewish community.

Mr Dreyfus claimed on 6 March 2022, ahead of the May election, that, across domestic politics, Australia spoke with one voice. Mr Burns, the member for Macnamara, said on 18 March 22, also ahead of the May election, that, irrespective of who formed government, the Jewish community should feel proud that their interests would be safeguarded. Despite these pre-election assurances, on 17 October media reported that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website had removed references to the recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the commitment to move the embassy from Tel Aviv. Then, later that day, a spokesperson for foreign minister Senator Wong told media that the former government had made the decision to recognise West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Stakeholders, including in the Australian Jewish community and Israel's ambassador to Australia, were also assured that same day by the minister's office that there was no change. But less than 24 hours later, on 18 October, the foreign minister announced at a press conference that Australia would reverse the recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Labor's announcement occurred on the Jewish holiday, the day of Simchat Torah, and just two weeks before a heavily contested Israeli election. The Australian government failed to consult with the Australian Jewish community. Indeed, the Israeli ambassador to Australia and Israel's government found out about the announcement from media. Israel's Prime Minister Lapid said:

In light of the way this decision was made … we can only hope that the Australian government manages other matters more seriously and professionally.

The member for Macnamara apologised to the Jewish community for the timing and handling of this appalling announcement. Will the Prime Minister do the same?

The Middle East is and remains one of the most strategically important places on the planet. The coalition remains committed to our longstanding position that Australia remains a strong supporter of the two-state solution in which Israel and a future Palestine state coexist in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. So I urge the Albanese government to apologise to Israeli Prime Minister Lapid and undo this unwise decision. Lasting peace between Israel and its neighbours is in the interests of every peace-loving member of the international community. After all, we are all God's children. The fact that Jerusalem is the capital is not just an opinion; it's a fact.