‘Too far, too quickly': Australia possibly set to recognise Palestinian statehood
The Albanese government is reportedly preparing to imminently announce Australia's plan to recognise a Palestinian state.
Mr Richardson told Sky News Australia that the move to recognise Palestine would be going 'too far, too quickly'.
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Perth Now
12 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Stronger Gaza rhetoric ahead of Palestine recognition
Prime Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will formally recognise Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly in September. The recognition of statehood comes after increasingly stronger language by the federal government against Israel for blocking aid and breaching international law since the war started on October 7, 2023, after designated terror group Hamas launched an attack on Israel. PALESTINE * October 26, 2023: "We continue to support Palestinian aspirations for a state of their own and consider a two-state solution". * January 16, 2025: "We hope (a ceasefire) will allow the Palestinian people the opportunity to rebuild, reform their governance and pursue self-determination". * July 25, 2025: "The reason a two-state solution remains the goal of the international community is because a just and lasting peace depends upon it". * July 31, 2025: "Recognition of the state of Palestine is a matter of when - not if". * August 4, 2025: "Everybody understands that there is a risk that there will be no Palestine left to recognise unless the international community work together towards two states". * August 11, 2025: "Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority". AID * December 13, 2023: "Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be increased and sustained". * July 26, 2024: "Sustained increase in the flow of assistance throughout Gaza is needed to address the humanitarian situation". * July 25, 2025: "Israel's denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or ignored". * July 27, 2025: "Quite clearly it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered, which was a decision that Israel made in March. It's a breach of decent humanity and of morality, and everyone can see that." CIVILIANS * October 26, 2023: "We are concerned at the humanitarian situation in Gaza and call on all actors to ensure the provision of humanitarian supplies to populations in need". * December 13, 2023: "Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected ... the price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians". * February 15, 2024: "With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge Israel not to go down this path". * July 26, 2024: "The situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The human suffering is unacceptable. It cannot continue". * July 25, 2025: "Every innocent life matters. Every Israeli. Every Palestinian". * August 11, 2025: "The situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. Far too many innocent lives have been lost." CEASEFIRE * October 26, 2023: "We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages". * December 13, 2023: "Support urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire ... Hamas must release all hostages, stop using Palestinian civilians as human shields and lay down its arms". *January 16, 2025: "Australia welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza ... We urge all parties to respect its terms and safeguard a lasting peace". * July 25, 2025: "An immediate ceasefire is needed desperately". * August 11, 2025: "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza".
7NEWS
42 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Politicians Tanya Plibersek and Barnaby Joyce break out into a stoush as electric vehicle owners are dealt major blow
A proposed road tax for eclectic cars sparked a massive fight between Albanese minister Tanya Plibersek and Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce on Monday, with the latter accusing Plibersek of trying not to upset her inner-city electorate. Ahead of the federal government's productivity roundtable next week, the idea of a road tax for electric vehicles has been floated as a way to set aside money for road upkeep. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in June he intended to work with state and territory governments 'on the future of road-user charging' for EVs. Currently, money from the fuel excise is allocated for fixing roads. On Monday, Plibersek was quizzed on the introduction of a road user tax. Plibersek told Sunrise: 'This is a discussion that the states and territories have been leading for some time. 'It's no secret that as the number of petrol vehicles and diesel vehicles goes down, the take from fuel excise decreases, that means less money for building and maintaining roads.' She continued: '(But) I don't think anything is happening tomorrow. 'But I do think it's sensible to look long-term for the states and territories at what they do to make sure that there's enough money to build the roads that people want to drive on and to make sure they're maintained as well after all this rain we've had. 'People would have noticed that there's a lot of potholes around. It's an expensive thing to build and maintain the road network we've got. We've got to make paying for that.' Joyce took aim at the number of electric vehicles in Plibersek's electorate of Sydney. The federal Sydney seat has 2725 registered electric vehicles, with the fourth highest in the entire country. Joyce replied: 'I got a sense there's a lot of EVs in Tanya's electorate, so she doesn't want to jump right in there, got to be careful about that, but we (in regional NSW) are overwhelmingly combustion engines because as you can see it is different terrain.' Joyce added there is a difference in tone between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. He said the Chalmers was clearly eyeing off a new tax for EV-owners. Joyce continued: 'Remember Tanya said, 'look, we're only going to bring in the taxes that the Prime Minister talks about before the election.' Fine. (But) that's not what the Treasurer is doing, he is doing something else. 'There is a bit of a conflict going on there — there's two balls (in) the paddock on that one.' Plibersek shot back that Joyce didn't vote for tax cuts. Barr, however, pressed Plibersek on the possibility of a new tax. In 2023, Victoria tried to put in place a 2 cent per kilometre charge on EV users, but the proposal was overruled by the High Court. New Zealand has a scheme in place for road-user charges for EVs, with petrol cars soon to be added to the tax. Barr said: 'Call it what you will, but if EV drivers have to pay more. It's an increase. Isn't it?' Joyce shot back, 'absolutely' Plibersek chimed in: 'Nothing is happening tomorrow. It's a sensible conversation to look at long term. You're all getting very excited over one conversation. 'I think it's a very sensible discussion for the state and territories to be having at the moment. But it's a long-term discussion. Nothing is changing tomorrow.'
The Advertiser
42 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
'Humanity's best hope': Australia recognises Palestine
Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state in a historic diplomatic shift that aims to "break the cycle of violence" in the Middle East. Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will join allies such as France, the UK and Canada and recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. "Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own, predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza." The prime minister said Palestinian recognition was part of international efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. "This is a practical contribution towards building momentum. This is not Australia acting alone," he said. "An end (to the conflict) can only be secured when both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security." Any recognition would need to guarantee that the designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, played no role in its future government, the prime minister said. Mr Albanese also revealed he spoke on Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the situation in Gaza had gone "beyond the world's worst fears" and urged for a political solution to the conflict. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Netanyahu said the stances taken by Australia and other nations on Palestine were "shameful" and warned it would not create peace in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed she spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Australia's intention to recognise Palestine before the decision was formally announced. The federal government has been under increasing pressure to do more in relation to the Middle East, after images of emaciated children poured out of the Gaza Strip. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in early August, alongside thousands more in other Australian capitals, urging the government to sanction Israel. The prime minister said the international community had to act. "This is about much more than drawing a line on a map. This is about delivering a lifeline to the people of Gaza," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it can be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed." But Palestinian recognition could be used as a "veneer" that allows Israel to "continue brutalising Palestinians with no consequences", Australia Palestine Advocacy Network's president Nasser Mashni warned. The Palestine Action Group said the move by the government was only symbolic and would not address issues on the ground in Gaza. "Recognition without sanctions is an empty gesture. It will not stop the bombs, the siege, or the starvation. It will not save lives," a spokesman said. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor said the recognition was premature. "This is a reward to Hamas for what they started on October 7 … if you start going down this path, I think Hamas will be very pleased with their work, and that's exactly the opposite of what we want to see," he told Sky News. Greens senator David Shoebridge said the recognition was overdue, but should also include sanctions on Israel. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities, and UN sources project more than two million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation despite international human rights groups condemning its offensive. Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state in a historic diplomatic shift that aims to "break the cycle of violence" in the Middle East. Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will join allies such as France, the UK and Canada and recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. "Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own, predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza." The prime minister said Palestinian recognition was part of international efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. "This is a practical contribution towards building momentum. This is not Australia acting alone," he said. "An end (to the conflict) can only be secured when both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security." Any recognition would need to guarantee that the designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, played no role in its future government, the prime minister said. Mr Albanese also revealed he spoke on Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the situation in Gaza had gone "beyond the world's worst fears" and urged for a political solution to the conflict. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Netanyahu said the stances taken by Australia and other nations on Palestine were "shameful" and warned it would not create peace in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed she spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Australia's intention to recognise Palestine before the decision was formally announced. The federal government has been under increasing pressure to do more in relation to the Middle East, after images of emaciated children poured out of the Gaza Strip. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in early August, alongside thousands more in other Australian capitals, urging the government to sanction Israel. The prime minister said the international community had to act. "This is about much more than drawing a line on a map. This is about delivering a lifeline to the people of Gaza," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it can be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed." But Palestinian recognition could be used as a "veneer" that allows Israel to "continue brutalising Palestinians with no consequences", Australia Palestine Advocacy Network's president Nasser Mashni warned. The Palestine Action Group said the move by the government was only symbolic and would not address issues on the ground in Gaza. "Recognition without sanctions is an empty gesture. It will not stop the bombs, the siege, or the starvation. It will not save lives," a spokesman said. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor said the recognition was premature. "This is a reward to Hamas for what they started on October 7 … if you start going down this path, I think Hamas will be very pleased with their work, and that's exactly the opposite of what we want to see," he told Sky News. Greens senator David Shoebridge said the recognition was overdue, but should also include sanctions on Israel. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities, and UN sources project more than two million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation despite international human rights groups condemning its offensive. Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state in a historic diplomatic shift that aims to "break the cycle of violence" in the Middle East. Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will join allies such as France, the UK and Canada and recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. "Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own, predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza." The prime minister said Palestinian recognition was part of international efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. "This is a practical contribution towards building momentum. This is not Australia acting alone," he said. "An end (to the conflict) can only be secured when both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security." Any recognition would need to guarantee that the designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, played no role in its future government, the prime minister said. Mr Albanese also revealed he spoke on Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the situation in Gaza had gone "beyond the world's worst fears" and urged for a political solution to the conflict. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Netanyahu said the stances taken by Australia and other nations on Palestine were "shameful" and warned it would not create peace in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed she spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Australia's intention to recognise Palestine before the decision was formally announced. The federal government has been under increasing pressure to do more in relation to the Middle East, after images of emaciated children poured out of the Gaza Strip. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in early August, alongside thousands more in other Australian capitals, urging the government to sanction Israel. The prime minister said the international community had to act. "This is about much more than drawing a line on a map. This is about delivering a lifeline to the people of Gaza," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it can be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed." But Palestinian recognition could be used as a "veneer" that allows Israel to "continue brutalising Palestinians with no consequences", Australia Palestine Advocacy Network's president Nasser Mashni warned. The Palestine Action Group said the move by the government was only symbolic and would not address issues on the ground in Gaza. "Recognition without sanctions is an empty gesture. It will not stop the bombs, the siege, or the starvation. It will not save lives," a spokesman said. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor said the recognition was premature. "This is a reward to Hamas for what they started on October 7 … if you start going down this path, I think Hamas will be very pleased with their work, and that's exactly the opposite of what we want to see," he told Sky News. Greens senator David Shoebridge said the recognition was overdue, but should also include sanctions on Israel. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities, and UN sources project more than two million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation despite international human rights groups condemning its offensive. Australia will formally recognise a Palestinian state in a historic diplomatic shift that aims to "break the cycle of violence" in the Middle East. Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will join allies such as France, the UK and Canada and recognise Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September. "Australia will recognise the right of the Palestinian people to a state of their own, predicated on the commitments Australia has received from the Palestinian Authority," the prime minister told reporters in Canberra on Monday. "A two-state solution is humanity's best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering and starvation in Gaza." The prime minister said Palestinian recognition was part of international efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East. "This is a practical contribution towards building momentum. This is not Australia acting alone," he said. "An end (to the conflict) can only be secured when both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security." Any recognition would need to guarantee that the designated terror group Hamas, which de facto governs Gaza, played no role in its future government, the prime minister said. Mr Albanese also revealed he spoke on Thursday to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the situation in Gaza had gone "beyond the world's worst fears" and urged for a political solution to the conflict. Ahead of the announcement, Mr Netanyahu said the stances taken by Australia and other nations on Palestine were "shameful" and warned it would not create peace in the Middle East. Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed she spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Australia's intention to recognise Palestine before the decision was formally announced. The federal government has been under increasing pressure to do more in relation to the Middle East, after images of emaciated children poured out of the Gaza Strip. At least 90,000 protesters marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in early August, alongside thousands more in other Australian capitals, urging the government to sanction Israel. The prime minister said the international community had to act. "This is about much more than drawing a line on a map. This is about delivering a lifeline to the people of Gaza," he said. "The toll of the status quo is growing by the day, and it can be measured in innocent lives. The world cannot wait for success to be guaranteed." But Palestinian recognition could be used as a "veneer" that allows Israel to "continue brutalising Palestinians with no consequences", Australia Palestine Advocacy Network's president Nasser Mashni warned. The Palestine Action Group said the move by the government was only symbolic and would not address issues on the ground in Gaza. "Recognition without sanctions is an empty gesture. It will not stop the bombs, the siege, or the starvation. It will not save lives," a spokesman said. Opposition defence spokesman Angus Taylor said the recognition was premature. "This is a reward to Hamas for what they started on October 7 … if you start going down this path, I think Hamas will be very pleased with their work, and that's exactly the opposite of what we want to see," he told Sky News. Greens senator David Shoebridge said the recognition was overdue, but should also include sanctions on Israel. The crisis in Gaza began when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking about 250 more hostage. Israel's response has since killed more than 61,000 people, according to Gaza's health authorities, and UN sources project more than two million people are facing high levels of acute food insecurity. Israel has denied that the population is suffering or dying from starvation despite international human rights groups condemning its offensive.
