Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Minister, in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks of 7 October, the Labor Party joined with the coalition in a bipartisan motion recognising Israel's inherent right to defend itself. Does the Albanese government still recognise Israel's inherent right to self-defence, whether attacked by Hamas, Hezbollah, Iran or any other sponsor of terrorism?

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

I have, as have the Labor Party and the Labor government, been very clear about the imperative of the continued existence of the State of Israel and our support for a two-state solution. We've been very clear about that. Every state, including Israel, has a right to defend itself. However, as I have repeatedly made clear, that right is not without limits. Those limits, those rules, apply to Israel, to Australia and to all states under international law.

I assume that the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate is making reference to Hezbollah in Lebanon. I would make this point: from the beginning we have been clear and consistent that we want all parties to exercise restraint. From the beginning, we have been clear and consistent that we do not want to see the conflict spreading to other parts of the region, including Lebanon. If the conflict spreads, it would be devastating for the whole region—for Israel, for Lebanon, for the thousands of Australians in Lebanon and for the region. We want ceasefire, protection of civilians, the return of hostages and a diplomatic solution, and we want all parties to exercise restraint.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, first supplementary?

Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I refer the minister to extraordinary media revelations today that reveal you summoned the Israeli ambassador to Australia to a meeting where, in what appears to be a calculated insult, you then delegated your junior minister to tell him that the Albanese government would not stand with Israel in a conflict with terrorist group Hezbollah. Why have you acted in such an insulting way, and why does the Albanese government continue to turn its back on Israel?

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

Two weeks ago, as a result of a series of devastating strikes that caused major civilian casualties, including near refugee camps and aid facilities, and following an escalation in rhetoric and action between Israel and Hezbollah, I instructed the assistant foreign minister to call in the Israeli ambassador. I can confirm the meeting took place, but, unlike the Morrison government, we do not leak private conversations. If others wish to do that, that is a matter for them. Our message is the same wherever we go, with everyone we talk to—ceasefire, protection of civilians, return of hostages and a diplomatic solution. Since the conflict began, as I said, we have called for restraint from all parties. This is what we advocate on behalf of Australia, and, when I and my colleagues act and speak, we do so on behalf of the country, not for any other country. We act and speak on behalf of Australia. I think Australians want peace, not more conflict and not more civilian deaths.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Birmingham, second supplementary?