Matter of Public Importance
Senate · Wednesday 26 March 2025
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
The Senate debated a motion moved by the Greens to impose sanctions on Israel, end the two-way arms trade, and call for an end to what the motion described as genocide and apartheid in Gaza. Government members opposed the motion, arguing it ignored the role of Hamas in breaking the ceasefire and failing to address hostage releases, while also warning against community division. Opposition and independent senators supported the motion, citing humanitarian crises, international law violations, and Australian complicity through arms exports. The motion was defeated in a division.
The motion was defeated in a division with 14 votes in favour and 28 against.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
McKim moved the motion to declare the situation in Gaza a matter of urgency, citing the National Day of Action for Palestine. The proposal called for the Australian Government to impose sanctions on the Israeli government, cease the two-way arms trade, and demand an end to the conflict, which the motion characterised as genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation. McKim argued that Israel's actions demonstrated a blatant disregard for international law.
Walsh informed the Senate that the President had received the notice of the motion from Senator McKim. Walsh confirmed that the required number of senators had risen to support the proposal for debate.
Faruqi described the ongoing violence as a genocide live-streamed to the world, criticising the government for its mild responses and perceived double standards compared to its stance on Russia. Faruqi highlighted the death toll, the targeting of journalists, and the abduction of Palestinian activists, arguing that the government lacked red lines regarding Israel's actions.
Sharma argued that the motion failed to attribute moral agency to Hamas, which he identified as the instigator of the conflict through the October 2023 attacks and the refusal to extend the ceasefire. Sharma stated that Hamas rejected offers to release hostages and cease hostilities, and that the motion ignored the role of regional actors and the Palestinian Authority's call for Hamas to relinquish power.
Ghosh stated that the government opposed the motion as it did not advance peace or community unity. Ghosh emphasised the government's commitment to a two-state solution, the release of hostages, and a ceasefire, while warning against rhetoric that fuels antisemitism and Islamophobia in Australia.
Thorpe characterised the situation as an active genocide and ethnic cleansing, citing UN reports on sexual violence and racial discrimination. Thorpe called for an arms embargo and sanctions, comparing the situation to apartheid in South Africa and accusing the government of enabling war crimes through weapons supplies.
Steele-John highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including the bombardment of hospitals and the blocking of aid. Steele-John cited testimony from medical volunteers and human rights organisations, urging the government to exert diplomatic pressure and end military coordination with Israel.
Shoebridge referenced a statement from seven Jewish groups condemning the Israeli government's resumption of bombardment and calling for sanctions. Shoebridge argued that Australia was complicit in the conflict due to the removal of constraints on weapons exports to the United States, which could then be supplied to Israel.