Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to address the deeply troubling decision by the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is not only an affront to the democratic principles Australia holds dear, but it betrays the total confusion and inconsistency that characterises the Albanese government's approach to Israel. The ICC's action singles out a leader of a democratic nation that is defending its citizens from terror, and it overlooks regimes that are recognised to be perpetuating violence. Israel is a nation with a robust legal system, an independent judiciary and a commitment to accountability. For the ICC to cast doubt on such a system raises serious questions about its true intentions and undermines its credibility. It also risks exacerbating the challenges faced by Palestinians and Israelis alike.

This situation must be viewed in the broader context of the Albanese government's constantly shifting position on Israel. The Albanese government has taken Australia down a path that not only undermines decades of bipartisan consensus but also risks fanning the flames of division here at home. Those of us in the Liberal Party believe in the fundamental rights and freedoms of all people. This includes the freedom of thought, worship and speech—values that are central to our parliamentary democracy. Again, they are values that Israel shares with us. It is deeply concerning to see Labor's actions aligning Australia with those who seek to delegitimise Israel on the global stage.

The ICC's decision has emboldened voices that perpetuate potentially inaccurate narratives about Israel. What this does is risk normalising antisemitism in Australian society at a time when we should be standing firm against all hatred in all its forms. To Australians watching, the contrast could not be clearer. The coalition stands with Israel affirming its inherent right to defend itself. We understand that freedom and security go hand in hand.

Compare this with Labor's inconsistencies, which betray a total lack of principled leadership. This lack of conviction risks undermining our own international credibility. It also weakens what should be bipartisan foundations on one of the most sensitive and significant issues in international affairs at this time. Surely, every Australian would agree that our focus should be on ending this conflict, not intensifying it. The ceasefires we should support are those that see all hostages released and terror organisations like Hamas and Hizballah disarmed. In standing with Israel, we stand for the values that define Australia—freedom, democracy and the rule of law. I urge the Albanese government to abandon its inconsistent and divisive approach and return to the principled bipartisan policies that have long been a hallmark of Australia's foreign policy.