Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

At the request of the Leader of the Government in the Senate and pursuant to contingent notice of motion, I move:

That so much of the standing orders be suspended as would prevent me from moving an amendment to the motion.

We know the conflict in the Middle East is deeply distressing for many Australians, including the many Australians with a connection to the region and loved ones that are directly impacted. The widespread human suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is completely unacceptable. This cannot continue, and the war must end. This devastating crisis demonstrates the need for a political solution to the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We know that the only way to break the cycle of violence and achieve an enduring peace is through a peace process leading to a two-state solution—a Palestinian state and the state of Israel living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders. Because Israel's long-term security depends on a two-state solution, without it Israel will continue to face the insecurity of not being fully recognised in its region. Because Palestinian self-determination depends on a two-state solution, without it Palestinian's rightful aspiration for justice, prosperity and statehood will not be met.

The world is trying to create momentum towards that. That's why, in the recent vote at the UN General Assembly, 143 countries, including Australia, expressed a wish for progress to lasting peace through a two-state solution. We voted in favour of the resolution because of this government's steadfast commitment to a two-state solution. Unlike some in this place, we have been clear in that throughout. The government has made clear that it will be guided by whether recognition will advance the cause of peace. Like many in the international community, we have been frustrated by the lack of progress towards a two-state solution. And like Canada, Germany, the UK and other partners, Australia no longer sees recognition as only occurring at the end of the process; it could occur as part of a peace process.

A Palestinian state cannot be in a position to threaten Israel's security, which means no role for Hamas. We want to see a reformed Palestinian authority that disavows violence and is ready to engage in a meaningful political process. To that end, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to examine ways Australia can support reform of the Palestinian Authority so that it can deliver on the needs of the Palestinian people. We want to see a commitment to peace in how the Palestinian Authority leads its people. The final status of core issues such as Jerusalem and the borders of a future Palestinian state should be defined through direct negotiations.

It is now six months since Australia voted with 152 countries at the United Nations for a ceasefire. We support the comprehensive ceasefire proposal endorsed by the UN Security Council and want to see it fully implemented by both parties. We will continue to work with countries that support the peace process, so that all parties can agree to terms immediately. Any delay will only see more lives lost. Whilst Australia is not a central player, we have a respected voice, and we are using it to advocate for a ceasefire, the protection of civilians, increased humanitarian access and the release of hostages.

We have pressed for these outcomes in persistent and extensive engagement with foreign counterparts, including in the Middle East as well as with partners in Europe, Canada, Japan, the UK, the US and in our region. We have pressed the Netanyahu government directly, as have officials in Canberra and in Israel. We have pressed countries with influence over Hamas to secure the immediate and unconditional release of the remaining hostages, and we have committed $72.5 million to address urgent needs arising from the conflict in Gaza and the protracted refugee crisis in the region. We have been clear in our support and respect for the independence of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. We are using our voice and our vote in international forums.

Given the distressing impact of the conflict in the Middle East and here at home, it is my hope that senators will send a clear statement in support of the international efforts. I advance the cause of the two-state solution to adjust an enduring peace, and I move:

That the question be now put.