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

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. US President Donald Trump, standing alongside the Israeli Prime Minister and fugitive war criminal, Benjamin Netanyahu, has proposed the occupation of the Gaza Strip, permanently kicking out millions of indigenous Palestinians so the United States can develop it. On top of being outrageously disgusting and amounting to ethnic cleansing, such an action would be illegal under international law and a blatant violation of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. We know that the Liberals and Mr Dutton are in lockstep with Trump, but, Minister, you have rightly condemned the land grabs of other countries, such as Russia. Will you today break your silence, condemn President Trump's threat and make clear that Australia will not support such actions?

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

Through the President, Senator, I think the Prime Minister has given multiple interviews since those reports were first made, and he has made clear on several occasions that our position, the Australian position, remains support of a two-state solution—a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel—achieved in accordance with international law.

We have seen the discussions and clarifications overnight. I think that this is a demonstration of why the Australian government doesn't immediately react to everything that is reported. I would say that the central players in these matters are the countries of the region, who will be in dialogue with the United States for some time on a range of proposals. I say again, as the Prime Minister has made clear: there is a bipartisan commitment in Australia to a two-state solution—a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel—achieved in accordance with international law. It is in this way that we can ensure self-determination for Palestinians, security for Israel and peace for all the peoples of the region.

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

Senator Faruqi, first supplementary?

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

Sadly, there are no surprises in Minister Wong's response. She's still tying herself in knots to avoid actually answering the question and not take the bare minimum of actions to condemn this shameful attempt by Trump to take control of Gaza and expel Palestinians. I will ask you again, Minister: will you make clear that Australia will not support these actions and also rule out the involvement of Australian troops in such actions if they happen?

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

Australia's position is clear. We support a two-state solution achieved in accordance with international law, and that—if you actually listened, Senator Faruqi—is the response to the things you have asked about.

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

Senator Faruqi, second supplementary?

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

Minister, you won't condemn Trump, but will you at least condemn Mr Dutton for praising the US President and calling him a 'big thinker' on his despicable plans for Gaza?

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

Senator Faruqi, I am advised that it's hard to see how that is a supplementary question—and it is out of order to ask a minister to comment on the opposition leader—but I invite Minister Wong to make any other contribution she so wishes.

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

I refer to my previous answers. I have responded to the issues you've raised.