Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. All Australians were disturbed to learn of a series of anti-Israel vandalism attacks in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra overnight. Last week, you and your government supported a UN resolution recognising Palestinian sovereignty—a change of Australia's longstanding position on Israel and a position out of line with our most important ally, the United States. Do you accept that your government's shifting position on Israel emboldens anti-Israel elements within the Australian community to conduct such anti-Israel vandalism?

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

I want to make clear I unequivocally condemn what we saw last night in Sydney. The intimidation, violence and destruction of property is unacceptable in this country. We know that these actions are designed to incite and create fear, and they cannot be tolerated. I say again, as I've said many times: there is no place for antisemitism in this country. I have always stood against antisemitism, I have always stood against prejudice, and I'll always stand for a country in which the diversity of the Australian community are and feel safe.

Now I'm asked about a separate issue, which is: why we voted the way we did at the UN General Assembly. We use our vote in the UN system to do what we can to work with others to progress the cause of peace. The vote is consistent with the priority we place on building momentum towards a two-state solution, which previously had bipartisan support.

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

Senator Cash, a first supplementary question?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, did DFAT or Australia's UN mission recommend that Australia maintain a position of 'abstain' on the UN resolution regarding permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people? Why did you overturn their recommendation?

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

As I said in the answer to the first question, the vote is consistent with the priority the Albanese government places on building momentum towards a two-state solution. I know that those opposite have not taken the same view—neither have the Greens—but we do believe, as does the majority of the international community—

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

Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Senator Cash?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A point of order in relation to relevance. The question was specific in relation to the DFAT or Australia's UN mission's recommendation to the Albanese government, and whether you overturned that recommendation.

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

The minister is being relevant.

Senator McKenzie, I have called for order. Your constant interjections are disrespectful and, quite frankly, really annoying. Either listen in silence or leave the chamber. Minister Wong, please continue.

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

The vote in favour of this resolution by Australia was alongside more than 155 members of the community, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Japan and New Zealand.

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

Senator Cash, a second supplementary question?

Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, will you admit that your government's constant changing of Australia's longstanding position on Israel has left Australian Jewish committee members much less safe and secure than they were prior to October 7 last year?

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

We will always stand against antisemitism, and we always have.