Dave Sharma (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. I refer the minister to her recent call at the United Nations for a clear timeline for the international declaration of Palestinian statehood. The minister also stated that there can be no role for terrorists in Palestinian self-determination. Is the elimination of terrorists, like Hamas, from the governance of the Palestinian territories a precondition for recognition or would the minister's clear timeline override that objective?

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

Thank you, Senator Sharma. I'll take the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions last night from both you and Senator O'Neill. Both of them were very moving, I thought.

In relation to the progress towards a Palestinian state, you with your knowledge of the region would surely understand that there is no likelihood of long-term peace and security for Israel unless the international community delivers, ultimately, on the promise that was made when it established the State of Israel, which was that there would be two states—the State of Israel and a state for the Palestinian people. You would also understand that this is something the international community has been seized of. I have made it clear that we see no role for terrorists, such as Hamas, in the governance of a future Palestinian state. Unlike some in this parliament, I actually do believe that a Palestinian state is necessary as a matter of justice and for the delivery of what the international community has promised but also for the security of the State of Israel. You were an advocate, for example, of the Abraham Accords. You are an advocate for Saudi organisations. Saudi Arabia has made clear that, unless this issue is dealt with, it is not in a position to normalise.

If we can avoid for just a moment the divisive domestic politics, the reality is we have to work towards a two-state solution because that is the only pathway to peace. We have a conflict where we have seen not only the horrific attacks on 7 October but, in the aftermath in the response, over 11,000 children killed. Let's just pause to think about what that means. (Time expired)

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

Senator Sharma, a first supplementary?

Dave Sharma (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You also spoke in your speech at the United Nations about the need for a reformed Palestinian Authority. Is a reformed Palestinian Authority a prerequisite for any recognition or, again, would your clear timeline override that objective?

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

Reform of the Palestinian Authority is something that many parties have spoken about. It's not my idea. It is a proposition that others, including the United Kingdom—the conservative government in the United Kingdom, in fact—as well as the United States have spoken about. This is a mainstream idea. I know that there are those that don't support two states. It is a matter for you whether or not you think that's consistent with your party's position. What I would say is I do not believe and the international community does not believe that there is long-term peace and security for the people of Israel unless this issue is ultimately dealt with.

Hon. Senators:

Honourable senators interjecting—

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

The international community made a commitment to this, Senator McKenzie, at the time it established the State of Israel. Let's understand this has always been an issue that the international community has been seized of. (Time expired)

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

Senator Sharma, second supplementary?

Dave Sharma (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given the uncertainties and inconsistencies in Labor's position on this issue, will the minister guarantee not to recognise a Palestinian state ahead of the next election and to instead take a clear policy on how or when Labor would undertake recognition to the next election?

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

I'm not going to be looking at election time on something as important as this. You might want to think about that, but that is not the way I'm thinking about it. What I am thinking about is how we work with the broader international community, including the United States, including the United Kingdom, including many members of the General Assembly, many members of the EU, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and so many others who are looking at how we can help towards that pathway to peace. A political horizon for the resolution of a Palestinian state has to be part of that. We will keep working for peace. Others might want to keep working for division here in Australia.

On that, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.