Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to Minister Wong. In issuing arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, the International Criminal Court noted:

… each bear criminal responsibility for … the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

Countries around the world have indicated they would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to set foot in their territory, in compliance with this arrest warrant. These countries include Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Ireland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain and Portugal—many of which are countries you often refer to as like-minded. Minister, will you join these like-minded countries and explicitly say here today that authorities here will arrest Benjamin Netanyahu if he dares set foot on this land?

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

Through you, President, I answered almost precisely the same question, but from the other perspective, asked by the shadow Attorney-General yesterday.

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

You still didn't answer.

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

I would refer you, Senator Faruqi, to that answer.

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

Senator Faruqi, a first supplementary?

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, I didn't ask for more weasel words of you saying you respect the International Criminal Court and adhere to international law. I asked if you were going to comply with your obligations under international law and commit to arresting Benjamin Netanyahu in compliance with the ICC arrest warrant.

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

I answered precisely that question yesterday. I refer you to that answer, Senator.

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

Senator Faruqi, a second supplementary?

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

() (): You just can't get yourself to say that you will arrest Benjamin Netanyahu or do anything to support Palestinians. The ICC arrest warrants come on top of the recent UN special committee finding Israel's methods in Gaza are consistent with genocide, as well as the International Court of Justice finding that Israel is responsible for apartheid in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Minister, since you are such a self-proclaimed supporter of international law, why won't you impose sanctions on the genocidal— (Time expired)

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

Senator, I know that you like to make this personal, but this isn't actually about me.

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You are the foreign minister.

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

Yes, I am the foreign minister. My support for international law is a personal belief, but it is also a belief that this country, as a middle power, has an interest in international law and the international legal framework being observed. That is why we've taken the position we have in relation to what has occurred in Gaza. It is why we talk about, and join with others in relation to expressing a view on, the application of international humanitarian law. It is why I'm working with other countries to lead an initiative internationally for the protection of aid workers. It is also consistent with Australia's position, for example, on the South China Sea, where— (Time expired)