“Show Some Guts or Get Out of the Way”: Why a Vote For Palestinian Statehood is Not In Australia’s National Interest

This Friday, the UN General Assembly is set to once again debate the issue of Palestinian Statehood, just seven months after the Palestinian Hamas regime perpetrated the worst massacre since World War II, on October 7, 2023.

At present, over 1 in 4 nations do not recognise Palestine as a sovereign state, including the Commonwealth of Australia and a number of western democratic allies.

Australia has a long-held and public commitment to a two-state solution through a direct, negotiated and lasting peace settlement. Membership of the UN General Assembly as a recognised State requires the support of 2/3 of member states, preceded by a recommendation for admission from the UN Security Council – over which the US has consistently and recently exercised its veto power.

Former Political Advisor to the Australian Mission at the UN General Assembly, and long-serving member of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Andrew Wallace MP, called on the Federal Government to reject the proposal, insisting that a vote for Palestinian statehood now would be seen as a reward for the grievous atrocities perpetrated on and since October 7, including mass murder, torture, rape and sexual violence, and the taking of around 250 hostages, 139 of whom remain in captivity.

Mr Wallace, who serves as the Deputy Chair of the Joint Standing Committee’s Defence Subcommittee – which he chaired under the previous Coalition Government – cited that a principled and pragmatic policy would see Australia stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its most important allies.

“Foreign policy isn’t about feel-good sentiments, photo opps, or keeping everyone happy. Global leadership demands strength, conviction, and the courage to fight for Australia’s interests, even if that means fighting alone,” Mr Wallace said.

“For two years, Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong have travelled the world, spruiking mixed messages on issues central to Australia’s national security, sovereignty and standing in the world: from China, Russia and Iran to the crucial US-Australia alliance,” Mr Wallace continued.

“Anything less than A vote against Palestinian statehood is an affront to the Jewish people and our allies, including the people of Israel,” Mr Wallace warned.

“Even in a purely practical sense, there’s no gain for the Australian people in supporting the vote. Why would the Federal Government choose to act against our closest allies when the proposition is dead in the water?” Mr Wallace questioned, adding, “The United States has already exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council to reject Palestinian statehood, just last month.”

“From the battlefields of Beersheba to the boardrooms of Brisbane, Australia’s deep and enduring relationship with the people of Israel has captured the very essence of mateship, innovation and resolve,” Mr Wallace added, “We cannot abandon Israel now.”

“It’s time for the PM and the Foreign Minister to show some guts, or get out of the way. Australia can’t afford any more broken promises or backflips from this reckless, witless, and gutless Labor Government.”

Mr Wallace currently serves as the Deputy Chair of Parliament’s powerful intelligence and security committee, visited Israel in 2023 in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre. He is also the Chair of the Australia-Israel Allies Caucus, which is part of a global alliance of parliamentarians dedicated to combatting antisemitism, promoting interfaith dialogue, and supporting positive trade and relations with the State of Israel.