Matter of Public Importance

Middle East

Senate · Wednesday 30 July 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Senate debated a motion moved by the Australian Greens calling for intensified Australian pressure on Israel to open border crossings and allow unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Labor government moved an amendment to clarify that the aid blockade constituted a breach of international law, which was agreed to. The Liberal Party opposed the motion, arguing it ignored the role of Hamas in the crisis. The motion, as amended, was passed by the Senate.

Outcome

The original question, as amended, was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens

Faruqi argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza constituted deliberate starvation and genocide, requiring urgent Australian intervention. Faruqi called for concrete measures, including sanctions on Israel and an end to the two-way arms trade, rather than mere diplomatic statements. Faruqi asserted that the current aid distribution was controlled by mercenaries and served as a tool of occupation rather than genuine assistance. Faruqi emphasised that the motion was a result of sustained public pressure and demanded accountability for the loss of life.

Government response

Tim Ayres (Minister for Industry and Innovation; Minister for Science) ALP NSW

Ayres moved an amendment to specify that Israel’s aid blockade was a breach of international law. Ayres stated that the government condemned Hamas and called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. Ayres highlighted Australia’s participation in joint statements with other nations demanding unhindered humanitarian access and compliance with International Court of Justice orders. Ayres argued that Australia must work with international partners to build momentum for peace and uphold international law.

Opposition response

Michaelia Cash (Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs; Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Liberal WA

Cash stated that the Coalition would not support the motion because it failed to acknowledge the role of Hamas in the humanitarian crisis. Cash argued that Hamas was responsible for the war following the attacks on 7 October 2023 and for diverting aid for military purposes. Cash asserted that Hamas used civilians as human shields and that the moral responsibility for the suffering lay with the terrorist group. Cash called for Hamas to surrender and end the war to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.

Lidia Thorpe (VIC) (Independent) Ind support

Thorpe described the situation in Gaza as deliberate starvation and ethnic cleansing, accusing the government of complicity. Thorpe criticised the suspension of funding to UNRWA and the supply of bomb bay doors for F-35 jets. Thorpe demanded a full arms embargo, economic sanctions against Israel, and the recognition of a Palestinian state.
Michelle Ananda-Rajah (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Ananda-Rajah recounted witnessing the aftermath of the 7 October attacks in Israel, describing the atrocities as shocking. Ananda-Rajah stated that while supporting Israel as an ally, the government must not rubberstamp the actions of the Netanyahu government. Ananda-Rajah called for a political solution to the conflict and criticised the lack of effort to craft a political off-ramp.
David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Shoebridge welcomed the motion as an acknowledgment of breaches of international law by the Israeli government. Shoebridge criticised the Prime Minister for dismissing calls for sanctions as slogans and for failing to take material action. Shoebridge urged the government to implement a full ban on arms trading with Israel in both directions, similar to measures against Russia.
Nick McKim (TAS) (Australian Greens) Greens support

McKim described the situation in Gaza as a calculated slaughter and the use of hunger as a weapon of war. McKim accused the Australian government of complicity in the outcomes of the conflict. McKim challenged the government’s claim that exported weapons components were non-lethal and called for sanctions on the Netanyahu war cabinet.
Penny Allman-Payne (QLD) (Australian Greens) Greens support

Allman-Payne argued that Israel’s actions demonstrated genocidal intent and a lack of interest in peace. Allman-Payne warned against accepting truncated ceasefires or limited aid as sufficient, calling for maximum global pressure. Allman-Payne stated that Israel must face consequences for its actions to stop the killing.
Wendy Askew (TAS) (Liberal Party) Liberal oppose

Askew requested that the Opposition’s opposition to the motion be recorded in the Hansard. Askew did not provide further substantive arguments during this brief intervention.

Opened by

Mehreen Faruqi (NSW) (Australian Greens)

Greens

Speeches

10 speeches, 6 other contributors

Topics

Middle East

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About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.