Terrorism strikes at the heart of democracy again: Wallace
Sunshine Coast MP Andrew Wallace says terrorism has struck at the heart of democracy again with the “devastating and abhorrent attacks” on Israel over the weekend.
“All democracies and people of good will utterly condemn the unprovoked, devastating, and abhorrent attacks by Hamas militants on Israel,” Mr Wallace said.
“It is yet another wake-up call to the free and democratic world, and I fear that global terrorism will once again strike at the heart of other western nations who are now rightly focused on the immediate threats brought by China and Russia.
“We must stand with Israel and all Jewish people around the globe and condemn all forms of antisemitism and stand up for peace and justice worldwide, whilst not being blinded by the multitude of serious threats to our global rules-based order.”
Mr Wallace says global collective counter-terrorism efforts are imperative for stability as we face one of the most geo-politically unstable times since World War II.
The Deputy Chair of both the Australian Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security and the Parliament’s Defence Sub-Committee last week gave a speech at the Sixth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly – debate on measures to eliminate international terrorism.
Speaking on behalf of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (CANZ), the Federal Member for Fisher said terrorism remains a significant threat to communities around the world.
“CANZ will continue to work with the international community to support a peaceful and stable international environment that prevents violent extremism and inhibits the resurgence and spread of terrorism,” Mr Wallace said in his speech prior to the October 6 attack on Israel.
“Terrorist groups and the support networks upon which they depend, must not be allowed to find a safe haven anywhere in the world.”
Mr Wallace, who is currently representing the Australian Parliament at the annual United Nations General Assembly, arrived in New York on the eve of September 11 as the United States marked 22 years after 9/11.
“While there have been many terrorist attacks before and many since September 11, 2001, the attacks on America which killed nearly 3000 people had a devastating and lasting impact on the globe,” Mr Wallace said.
“It is a sombre and important reminder each year to never forget the threats upon democracy. From Sydney, Bali, London, Paris and many other terrorist attacks since, we now live with a heightened awareness and must never become complacent about terrorism and violent extremism, wherever it takes place and in whatever form.
“Terrorism remains a threat to international peace and security. We must remain vigilant and strong in our conviction to a shared fight against terrorism through global solutions to counter terrorist groups that are unrestrained by national borders.
“Sadly, case in point, with the sustained, unprovoked and barbarous attacks on Israel by Hamas militants over the weekend.”
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security last month endorsed the relisting of Islamic State, Boko Haram, and Islamic State West Africa Province as terrorist organisations.
The relisting ensures it is an offence under the Criminal Code relating to membership of, support for, or association with the organisations. Similarly, Hamas was listed under the Criminal Code in March, 2022. Mr Wallace said that a small number of Australians who seemed to delight in the barbarous attacks on innocent Israeli citizens, should be reminded that the provision of support for Hamas or the incitement of their barbarous ideology, is a criminal offence in Australia.
“Groups like Hamas and its supporters continue to commit violent crimes around the world and are a direct, persistent, and dynamic threat to international peace and security,” Mr Wallace said.
