Fatima Payman (WA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister Wong. I note that Senator Faruqi asked questions earlier, but I would also like to acknowledge that there is an outbreak of Trump fever. The government are quarantining themselves while the opposition are mirroring Trump's anti-DEI policies, imitating Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. Trump's latest announcement that he intends to take over the Gaza Strip and push the Palestinian people off their native lands is an unthinkable act of ethnic cleansing. Yesterday the Prime Minister said, 'We take considered positions when matters of international affairs are raised and we do so in a manner that is consistent with Australia's values.' Minister, when did Australian values allow for the murdering of children, the bombing of hospitals and the annihilation of a people?

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

Senator Payman, I regret the way in which you put that last part of the question. I've made clear and the Prime Minister has made clear that our position remains as it was yesterday morning, which is that we support a two-state solution, a Palestinian state alongside the State of Israel, achieved in accordance with international law. I would say to you that a bipartisan commitment to two states is the only way to ensure self-determination for Palestinians, security for Israel and peace for all the peoples of the region. You would have heard me over many months asserting Australia's position in relation to international law, including international humanitarian law.

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

Senator Payman, first supplementary?

Fatima Payman (WA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister must admit how absurd Australia's position is, as the government claims to support a two-state solution but refuses to recognise Palestine. With Trump planning to annex Gaza, how can this government claim to support Palestinian statehood while refusing recognition—especially when its ally seeks to erase it?

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

I've articulated over many months Australia's position. Obviously we are not the key player in the Middle East, and the future of the region is ultimately something which will need to be resolved by the countries of the region and the peoples of the region. In response to the various propositions which have been aired over the last 24 hours, I'd refer to my earlier answers to you and Senator Faruqi.

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

Senator Payman, second supplementary?

Fatima Payman (WA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We've heard those talking points before. Ultimately, as with all issues this government considers, it comes back to domestic politics. Leaving geopolitics aside, the Trump administration has shown it will impose tariffs on countries that it believes have slighted the US. Will the minister admit that their silence on Trump's recent actions stems from the bone-chilling fear that he will slap tariffs on Australian goods just months before an election?

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

I might just respond a little bit more on the recognition point. I have laid out a few conditions as to recognition. A future Palestinian state must not be in a position to threaten Israel's security. We see no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza or in the future Palestinian state and no role for terrorists. We need a reformed Palestinian Authority—

The:

Senator Payman, on a point of order?

Fatima Payman (WA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, as a member of the crossbench, I have very limited time and obviously—

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

Senator Payman, what is your point?

Fatima Payman (WA, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's a matter of relevance to my second supplementary question, please.

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

I believe the minister is being relevant. She has just started to answer, but I'll listen carefully.

Senator Payman, you are not in a debate with me. I'm listening carefully, and if the minister isn't being relevant, I will draw her to the point.

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

I would have thought recognition conditions might be something you'd be interested in, Senator. Hamas must release all hostages, and issues such as Jerusalem and the final territory of a Palestinian state should be defined through negotiations.

We have taken a principled position throughout this conflict. People in this chamber may not—

An honourable senator interjecting—

Well, Senator, we have taken a principled position. People in this chamber may not agree with the position we have taken, but it is a position of principle, and it is consistent.