Andrew Wallace Becomes Chair of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus
The Federal Member for Fisher has assumed the chairmanship of the Israel Allies Caucus in Australia, acknowledging his longstanding support for the people of Israel through his parliamentary committee and defence engagement roles.
This comes as instances of global antisemitism reach a disturbing peak, and while Hamas’ immoral war on Israel restarts, after a temporary ceasefire in hostilities comes to a close.
Mr Wallace is the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s powerful Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security (“the PJCIS”), as well as the Defence Subcommitee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade.
In these roles, Mr Wallace has championed action to strengthen Australia’s defence cooperation and capabilities, and to counter terrorism and extremism. This recently included an historic dissent to Labor’s decision to open the doors of the PJCIS to Greens, as well as a push to ban Nazi symbols – a bipartisan recommendation - and the Nazi salute. Mr Wallace has welcomed the about-face on the later in now amending the Hate Symbols Bill, to now ban the Nazi Salute after sustained pressure from the Opposition Members of the PJCIS.
On assuming the Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, Mr Wallace said that he was commited to working across traditional party lines and with various faith communities, aimed at strengthening Australia’s alliance with Israel and the Jewish people.
“Australia and Israel share a deep and abiding relationship, born on the batlefield of Beersheba and carried through seven decades of conflict, to become a thriving partnership of trade, innovation, and cutting-edge research,” Mr Wallace said.
“We haven’t always got it right. Australia’s alliance and friendship with the people of Israel has been hard-fought but by-and-large non-partisan,” Mr Wallace continued.
“As the scourge of antisemitism and extremism rears its head in our streets, online and even in our national Parliament, it’s incumbent upon all of us to do what we can to continue that relationship, and fight alongside Israel on behalf of the Jewish people, and our shared democratic values.” Mr Wallace added.
“In the aftermath of the Holocaust, we promised ‘never again’. While the antisemitism which has long festered in the dark recesses of the internet takes to the streets once again, it’s imperative that Australians call out extremism and stand with the people of Israel and Jewish people everywhere,” Mr Wallace concluded.
About the Israel Allies Caucus:
The Israel Allies Caucus is an international alliance, spanning 50 parliaments across the world. The Organisation is focused on mobilising faith communities and legislators to engage with Israeli’s Knesset and support the Israeli diaspora and Jewish communities at a local, national and international level. Previous office-bearers include former US Vice President Mike Pence and EU Parliamentarian Bas Belder.
