Question Time AU

Take Note Debate

International Relations: Australia and Israel

Senate · Wednesday 9 September 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Lidia Thorpe moved a motion to take note of the Minister for Foreign Affairs' answer regarding trade restrictions on goods from illegal settlements. Thorpe argued that the government's response lacked new information and failed to implement meaningful measures such as a full import ban or halting the supply of weapon parts. She contrasted the Australian government's approach with stronger actions taken by the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, accusing the government of complicity in ongoing violence. The Senate agreed to the motion to take note of the answer.

Outcome

The question 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

Lidia Thorpe (VIC) (Independent) Ind

Thorpe argued that the Minister for Foreign Affairs provided no new information in response to her question about unintended consequences of banning imports from illegal settlements. Thorpe contended that the government was failing to take effective action by continuing to allow trade and the shipment of weapon parts to Israel. Thorpe asserted that the government's stance was weaker than that of the United Kingdom, Canada, and France, which had implemented broader bans on settlement goods and services. Thorpe called for the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador and accused the government of being complicit in the slaughter of Palestinians.