GOUGH Whitlam, the prime minister who shines brightest in Labor’s pantheon, had an “immoral, unethical and ungrateful attitude” towards Israel, his nemesis Bob Hawke allegedly said. That revelation about Australia’s 1972-75 PM and Hawke, whose 1983-91 prime ministership was one of the most supportive of Israel, comes from a welter of diplomatic cables posted online…
By Tim Harcourt* The targeting of Israel via the boycotts of goods and people with Israeli connections is not only misguided but also likely to be counterproductive to trade, international relations and ultimately peace between Israel, the Palestinians and Arab nations in the Middle East. Much of this activity takes place on University campuses, and…
Mr. President, congratulations on your election. You now preside over a forum for every voice – an Assembly of all people and nations – for no country or bloc to dominate solely or lead as one alone – where small and medium sized countries are truly heard. Australia welcomes your election warmly. The story of…
Friends, we are here today because of those who are not. We are here to be the voice of those whose voice was stilled by the greatest crime humanity has ever known: the Shoah, the Holocaust. It was of such moment, of such horrific magnitude, that the world can and should never be the same…
The ongoing controversy around the chocolate shop Max Brenner has become stickier with a group of politicians stepping out in support of the business despite fierce protests by pro-Palestine campaigners. Max Brenner stores around Australia have been the site of protests by campaigners involved in the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions movement, or BDS. BDS protesters…
Order number in hand and a copy of The Age tucked under his arm, Kevin Rudd sat down for a hot chocolate in the afternoon on a Melbourne city street. But his choice of cafe was no accident – rather, it was a deliberate statement of support for a company targeted in a political boycott of Israel.…
As part of Leonard Cohen’s successful world comeback tour in 2009 he included a concert at Ramat Gan stadium near Tel Aviv in his itinerary. For that he was condemned by some activists for promoting a cultural exchange in Israel. Never mind the fact that proceeds from this concert were directed to the “Fund for…
Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced that Australia will provide urgent assistance to help combat the bushfires in Carmel forest in Northern Israel. The three-day old bushfires have already ravaged about 30,000 acres and claimed over 40 lives. The Prime Minister said Australia would move quickly to make both expertise and resources available following a…
Standing up to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement Speech by Paul Howes to Zionist Federation of Australia conference in Melbourne, Sunday October 10 2010 Thanks for inviting me to speak to the Zionist Federation of Australia conference. We are here at both an exciting time: — the new round of peace talks between the…
Ministers: Thank you for that warm and generous welcome. Erev Tov Haverim (Good evening friends) Shalom, Salaam, G’Day! I am delighted to be here, among so many people of goodwill, in such magnificent surroundings. I am thrilled to be joining you for the beginning of a new and exciting shared venture: the Australia Israel Leadership…