Deborah O'Neill (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It's somewhat disappointing to see the effort to embroider difference where there is none on a matter of such significance. That is not just about ideas but about the lives of fellow human beings in whatever country they may have been born into and in whatever territory they may have been born into. I find that profoundly disappointing, when only last night, on the evening of 7 October, so many of us from across the parliament gathered to stand in solidarity with the people of Israel at the Embassy of Israel. I believe people of goodwill in every country around the world recall with horror the news as it emerged after that terrible attack that was perpetrated by the terrorist organisation Hamas last year on 7 October 2023.

Unrest in the Middle East is something that has been a part of modern political discussion for a long time. Senator Sterle, who sits beside me here in the parliament, was talking about his time as chair of the parliamentary friendship group of Israel. It is in that role that I spoke last night at the embassy, not too far from here. I want to put on the record the work of the parliamentary friendship group of Israel, a multiparty group, which belies some of the divisive commentary that seems to be being brought forward at this point in the debate.

This was the statement that we, as the friendship group, put out within a mere 48 hours of the attack on the sovereign state of Israel by Hamas terrorists who, highly armed, swarmed over the border in their thousands:

… we unequivocally condemn the attacks on Israel by terrorist group Hamas.

The targeting of civilians and indiscriminate violence by Hamas is resulting in a devastating loss of life across the region and is a heartbreaking setback for the security of both Israeli and Palestinian people.

The state of Israel has an unimpeachable right to exist, and to defend itself.

We stand in friendship and solidarity with the people of Israel.

Our thoughts are with all those who are affected by this conflict, and in particular with the families of those who have lost their lives or have been taken hostage.

We pledge to continue our work with Australia's Jewish community and the Israeli diaspora.

We seek to promote peace within the region and the security of Israel, now and always.

It was signed over two pages by more than 30 parliamentarians from every party. Nothing has changed from that day in terms of the unanimity of view: those of us who were outraged then remain outraged now.

For the record, let's just be clear about the joint statement on 16 October last year in both houses. I'm recalling the Senate Hansard here, which echoes exactly the statement in the House of Representatives. These are the first two points of the statement, which starts at (a) and goes to (p). The first point states:

That the Senate—

That's all of us in this together—

(a) unequivocally condemns the attacks on Israel by Hamas, which are the heinous acts of terrorists, and have encompassed the targeting and murder of civilians, including women and children, the taking of hostages, and indiscriminate rocket fire;

The second point states:

(b) stands with Israel and recognises its inherent right to defend itself;

That remains the case.

Tearing at the fabric of Australian society for some perceived potential political gain at a time when we know that antisemitism is on the rise all around the world, including in our own community, is a disgraceful ploy. I, as a Labor person, am so proud to stand alongside Senator David Fawcett, a member of the Liberal-National coalition, to say that we support Israel and that we support peace in the region, and there is nothing to be ashamed about in standing together in that plight.