National Cabinet met virtually today to reaffirm that Leaders are united in working together to stamp antisemitism out – and keep it out. The Prime Minister today convened a meeting of National Cabinet to address the shocking rise of antisemitic hate crimes. Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Reece Kershaw, briefed the meeting on the latest police…
The Albanese Government today announces the appointment of Ms Jillian Segal AO as Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism in Australia, as part of our ongoing efforts to preserve social cohesion in Australia. The conflict in the Middle East has deeply affected communities across Australia. The appointment of the Special Envoy is a critical step in…
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin (Rtd) will serve as Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Israel’s response to the Israel Defense Forces strikes which killed Zomi Frankcom, and six of her World Central Kitchen colleagues. Air Chief Marshal Binskin served as Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2014 to 2018, and prior to…
It is with overwhelming sadness that the Australian Government confirms the death of an Australian aid worker in Gaza. The tributes flowing for Lalzawmi ‘Zomi’ Frankcom tell the story of a life dedicated to the service of others, including her fellow Australians during natural disasters. Her tireless work to improve the lives of others should…
On 22 March 2024, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP hosted the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the Rt Hon Lord David Cameron and the Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon…
Australia has imposed further counter-terrorism financing sanctions on 12 persons and three entities linked to Hamas, Hizballah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This action is concurrent with further sanctions imposed on Hamas-linked targets by the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. Those sanctioned include Hamas leaders, financial facilitators, and persons who have provided training to…
Australia will provide an additional $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance to the Middle East, including in response to the urgent and ongoing humanitarian needs resulting from the Hamas-Israel conflict. This funding will be directed to conflict affected populations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and to address the ongoing regional refugee crisis, with a focus on…
This week I will travel to Jordan, Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the United Arab Emirates, to support international diplomatic efforts towards a durable peace in the Middle East. One hundred days since the October 7 terror attacks, I will use Australia’s voice to advocate for a pathway out of the current conflict, an…
Joint statement with: The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Canada The Rt Hon James Cleverly MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, United Kingdom The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Canada and the UK are deeply concerned by recent events in Israel and the West Bank which further reduce the prospects…
