Chapter:
34 - International Affairs
Mover:
Janaline Oh
Seconder:
James Eveille
 
 
Source:
My Private Notes


Preamble
We are all justifiably outraged by the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. This motion does a good job of expressing that outrage. But Labor values also demand that we consider the real outcomes of our policy positions and actions, particularly on those most affected - in this case, the people of Gaza. We propose two amendments here, as shown below.

The reasons are as follows:
on point 1: Hamas committed atrocities on 7 October and is still holding hostages who should be returned in the context of a ceasefire.

on point 2: Unconditional recognition by foreign governments of a Palestinian state is manifestly not putting pressure on Israel to change its behaviour. What is changing Israeli government decisions is the intense domestic pressure to focus on the return of hostages rather than attacking Hamas. Such domestic pressures have actually eased when Israelis perceive foreigners attacking the state of Israel, such as when the ICC prosecutor announced he was seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The Albanese Government's position of reserving recognition to a point when it is most conducive to peace is most likely to deliver actual rather than just symbolic Palestinian self-determination. The ICJ's recent ruling on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza (also called out by the Albanese Government) urges Israel to work towards Palestinian recognition in the context of a two state solution and enduring peace.

We have not proposed amendments to points 3) and 4) but note the Government has publicly supported the ICJ and urged Israel to abide by its provisional measures, and that Defence estimates debunked the claims of Australian weapons exports to Israel.

It is appropriate for Labor members to express their horror and outrage at the terrible situation in Gaza. It is important that expression be grounded in what is most likely to deliver real benefits to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Amendment

Amendment to 0038G

ACT Labor conference resolves that:

1. The Federal Labor Government to strongly support and take all possible serious action for an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the return of all hostages. This includes sanctions on the state of Israel.

2. The Federal Labor Government must take action towards a two-state solution and support the right of self-determination for the Palestinian people by immediately recognising Palestine as a fully independent sovereign state when such recognition is most likely to advance the cause of peace. ACT Labor strongly supports the immediate recognition of the state of Palestine and condemns the operation of an Apartheid system in Israel.

3. The Federal Labor Government must publicly express its unequivocal support for the decision of the International Court of Justice in the Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) on 26 January 2024, and support the Court's provisional measures to prevent genocide. Further the Federal Labor Government will publicly support the work of the ICC.

4. The Federal Labor Government must halt any supply of defence components, military technology and/or military cooperation to Israel whilst it is carrying out human rights abuses. This includes dual-use components.

5. The Federal Labor Government must apply sanctions to Israel in response to human rights abuses and war crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Further, the federal Labor government must investigate any Australian citizens serving in the IDF for potential war crimes.

6. Reaffirms ACT Labor's strong condemnation of Islamophobia and Antisemitism in Australia and our opposition to war, violence and racism.