David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Minister Wong. The UK recently cancelled 30 military exports permits to the State of Israel, including the direct transfer of F-35 fighter jet parts, because this equipment could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law. United Nations experts, back in February, specifically urged Australia to immediately halt arms transfers to Israel, with the UN Human Rights Council making clear that this includes 'direct and indirect transfer or sale of arms, munitions, parts, components and dual use items'.

The Albanese government currently has 66 military exports permits active with the State of Israel and over 70 companies pumping out parts into the F-35 global supply chain. Why hasn't the Albanese government followed suit and cancelled these permits in relation to Israel?

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

I thank Senator Shoebridge for the question because it gives me the opportunity to respond to some of the misinformation he and others in the Greens political party are putting out. I would start by making this really clear. Senator Shoebridge has spoken with approbation of the UK government's decision. He may have seen that I have made comments about the UK government's decision, but I would make the point that we have actually been ahead of where the United Kingdom is because we have not been exporting weapons to Israel, or ammunition, for the last five years. Perhaps, when the Greens come in here and make political statements which are incorrect, they might want to see the facts. They are very happy to be supportive of the decision that the United Kingdom has made, but they fail to recognise that, in fact, Australia—

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

Order, Senator Shoebridge!

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

is not in the same position because we are not exporting weapons as you describe.

You are continuing to interject, Senator Shoebridge, and what I find interesting is that you continue to run a line—in this place and publicly—in the face of the, frankly, violence and aggression and disharmony we have seen in these last 24 hours and you know it not to be true. That is irresponsible.

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

Senator Shoebridge, a first supplementary?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Perhaps we'll get an answer to this question. Last week the Irish government sought legal advice on the import of goods from the State of Israel and stopped the importation of defence or military equipment from Israel. The Canadian foreign minister has also announced the suspension of some 30 weapons permits, including weapons permits that are going through the US to Israel. Why hasn't your government stopped contracts with Israeli arms manufacturers and weapons being sent to Israel via third countries?

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

Thank you, Senator. I again would invite you to look at where we are compared to the two jurisdictions that you have outlined. This is just, again, a proposition which is—

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

Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge, you've asked your question. I had to call you to order during the last response.

Senator Shoebridge, you are not in a debate with me! I've called you to order; that is what I expect. Minister, please continue.

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

Thank you. Again, I am very happy for you to refer to those two jurisdictions, Senator Shoebridge, but, if you do so, it would be the honourable thing to do, the decent thing to do, to recognise where Australia is in comparison to those jurisdictions, which is that we have not exported weapons or ammunition to Israel for the last five years—that is, in a different position to those other countries.

The reality, Senator Shoebridge, is you don't acknowledge that—

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

Order!

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

because it doesn't suit your narrative, it doesn't suit your political purposes—

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

Senator Shoebridge!

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

it doesn't suit your political campaign. You are happy to foment social disharmony in this country—

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

Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge. Just a few seconds ago I called you to order. You are not in a running commentary with the minister. I've asked you to listen in silence. That is what I expect. Minister, please continue.

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

What I again would say is that Senator Shoebridge and others in the Greens continue to peddle stories on this which are not true. (Time expired)

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

Senator Shoebridge, second supplementary?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You've never seen an F-35 fighter jet, huh? The ICJ, the highest legal authority, said very clearly in July all countries must:

… abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory.

Why has your government done nothing, nothing at all, to follow that direction?

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Why don't you tell the truth?

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

Senator Polley, it applies equally to you!

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

What I would say to Senator Shoebridge is I have made very clear, on behalf of this country, our view about the importance of the observance of international law. We have been clear and consistent that Israel must protect civilians. We have been clear and consistent that Australia's view is Israel must act in accordance with the orders of the International Court of Justice, including in the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance. I have said repeatedly that Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.

We have worked with partners—

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Words!

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

This is called diplomacy. This is about working with other countries—like Canada, like the United Kingdom, like Jordan, like the United Arab Emirates—towards a common solution. It's about bringing people together, actually. I know that what you are about is division. (Time expired)