Latest news with #Husic
AU Financial Review
3 days ago
- Business
- AU Financial Review
Fix ‘Swiss cheese' AI rules to deal with its growth: Husic
Former industry minister Ed Husic says he is concerns that governments are paralysed about the growth and scale of artificial intelligence and said the country's urgently needs overarching regulation to oversee its growth. 'Governments are generally either paralysed, uncertain or can't get agreement on a global way forward,' Husic, who had been responsible for many of Labor's technology policies until the last federal election. 'What would help is to be able to provide some certainty. We should have at least our own AI Act. I don't know if that will happen in this term.'
The Advertiser
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Advertiser
Call for sanctions on Israel over Gaza food blockade
A former cabinet minister is urging Australia to sanction Israel for blocking food from people in Gaza, ramping up pressure on Labor ahead of an international conference aimed at advancing Palestinian statehood. Labor backbencher Ed Husic, who was the first Muslim federal cabinet minister, is calling on his government to prepare targeted sanctions against Israeli officials overseeing the military campaign in Gaza against Hamas. Israel blocked aid and medical supplies entering the strip for 11 weeks and has begun letting in small amounts that international aid organisations say are a drop in the ocean of what is needed. More than two million people face starvation and the health system is at risk of collapse due to a shortage in medical supplies and Israeli strikes against facilities. Asked whether the war in Gaza had the hallmarks of a genocide, Mr Husic said it was "hard to avoid making a conclusion in your own mind that it will probably end up being called that". Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide. Mr Husic said Australia needed to put in place targeted sanctions against Israel's Netanyahu government and Israel Defence Forces for breaches of humanitarian law if the full blockade was not ended. He said the conflict should be a catalyst to fast-track recognition of a Palestinian state, something Labor has committed to doing under certain caveats, so a broader two-state peace solution could be reached. Australia is preparing to send representatives to a high-level conference in June focused on a two-state solution. The conference was mandated by the United Nations and is being co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. More than 1000 people were expected to attend an event at Parliament House on Tuesday evening about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza featuring Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa and hosted by independent senator David Pocock. Dr Mustafa volunteered in Gaza, providing medical care during two postings, and wants to build a children's hospital there. Dr Mustafa was born a Palestinian refugee, and the emergency physician's family was displaced by Israel. "If I can put aside my trauma and my pain, now I'm asking the other side to put aside their trauma and their pain, because what we're witnessing right now is catastrophic," he said. "We need everybody to come together and stop what's going on." Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has been contacted for comment. More than 53,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to local authorities, after Israel retaliated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The October 7 attack killed 1200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, according to Israel's tallies. Canada, France and the UK last week warned of "further concrete action" if Israel doesn't halt its military campaign and lift aid restrictions. Using starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime, according to international law experts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously said Israel's actions in Gaza were completely unacceptable and "the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage". A former cabinet minister is urging Australia to sanction Israel for blocking food from people in Gaza, ramping up pressure on Labor ahead of an international conference aimed at advancing Palestinian statehood. Labor backbencher Ed Husic, who was the first Muslim federal cabinet minister, is calling on his government to prepare targeted sanctions against Israeli officials overseeing the military campaign in Gaza against Hamas. Israel blocked aid and medical supplies entering the strip for 11 weeks and has begun letting in small amounts that international aid organisations say are a drop in the ocean of what is needed. More than two million people face starvation and the health system is at risk of collapse due to a shortage in medical supplies and Israeli strikes against facilities. Asked whether the war in Gaza had the hallmarks of a genocide, Mr Husic said it was "hard to avoid making a conclusion in your own mind that it will probably end up being called that". Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide. Mr Husic said Australia needed to put in place targeted sanctions against Israel's Netanyahu government and Israel Defence Forces for breaches of humanitarian law if the full blockade was not ended. He said the conflict should be a catalyst to fast-track recognition of a Palestinian state, something Labor has committed to doing under certain caveats, so a broader two-state peace solution could be reached. Australia is preparing to send representatives to a high-level conference in June focused on a two-state solution. The conference was mandated by the United Nations and is being co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. More than 1000 people were expected to attend an event at Parliament House on Tuesday evening about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza featuring Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa and hosted by independent senator David Pocock. Dr Mustafa volunteered in Gaza, providing medical care during two postings, and wants to build a children's hospital there. Dr Mustafa was born a Palestinian refugee, and the emergency physician's family was displaced by Israel. "If I can put aside my trauma and my pain, now I'm asking the other side to put aside their trauma and their pain, because what we're witnessing right now is catastrophic," he said. "We need everybody to come together and stop what's going on." Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has been contacted for comment. More than 53,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to local authorities, after Israel retaliated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The October 7 attack killed 1200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, according to Israel's tallies. Canada, France and the UK last week warned of "further concrete action" if Israel doesn't halt its military campaign and lift aid restrictions. Using starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime, according to international law experts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously said Israel's actions in Gaza were completely unacceptable and "the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage". A former cabinet minister is urging Australia to sanction Israel for blocking food from people in Gaza, ramping up pressure on Labor ahead of an international conference aimed at advancing Palestinian statehood. Labor backbencher Ed Husic, who was the first Muslim federal cabinet minister, is calling on his government to prepare targeted sanctions against Israeli officials overseeing the military campaign in Gaza against Hamas. Israel blocked aid and medical supplies entering the strip for 11 weeks and has begun letting in small amounts that international aid organisations say are a drop in the ocean of what is needed. More than two million people face starvation and the health system is at risk of collapse due to a shortage in medical supplies and Israeli strikes against facilities. Asked whether the war in Gaza had the hallmarks of a genocide, Mr Husic said it was "hard to avoid making a conclusion in your own mind that it will probably end up being called that". Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide. Mr Husic said Australia needed to put in place targeted sanctions against Israel's Netanyahu government and Israel Defence Forces for breaches of humanitarian law if the full blockade was not ended. He said the conflict should be a catalyst to fast-track recognition of a Palestinian state, something Labor has committed to doing under certain caveats, so a broader two-state peace solution could be reached. Australia is preparing to send representatives to a high-level conference in June focused on a two-state solution. The conference was mandated by the United Nations and is being co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. More than 1000 people were expected to attend an event at Parliament House on Tuesday evening about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza featuring Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa and hosted by independent senator David Pocock. Dr Mustafa volunteered in Gaza, providing medical care during two postings, and wants to build a children's hospital there. Dr Mustafa was born a Palestinian refugee, and the emergency physician's family was displaced by Israel. "If I can put aside my trauma and my pain, now I'm asking the other side to put aside their trauma and their pain, because what we're witnessing right now is catastrophic," he said. "We need everybody to come together and stop what's going on." Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has been contacted for comment. More than 53,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to local authorities, after Israel retaliated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The October 7 attack killed 1200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, according to Israel's tallies. Canada, France and the UK last week warned of "further concrete action" if Israel doesn't halt its military campaign and lift aid restrictions. Using starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime, according to international law experts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously said Israel's actions in Gaza were completely unacceptable and "the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage". A former cabinet minister is urging Australia to sanction Israel for blocking food from people in Gaza, ramping up pressure on Labor ahead of an international conference aimed at advancing Palestinian statehood. Labor backbencher Ed Husic, who was the first Muslim federal cabinet minister, is calling on his government to prepare targeted sanctions against Israeli officials overseeing the military campaign in Gaza against Hamas. Israel blocked aid and medical supplies entering the strip for 11 weeks and has begun letting in small amounts that international aid organisations say are a drop in the ocean of what is needed. More than two million people face starvation and the health system is at risk of collapse due to a shortage in medical supplies and Israeli strikes against facilities. Asked whether the war in Gaza had the hallmarks of a genocide, Mr Husic said it was "hard to avoid making a conclusion in your own mind that it will probably end up being called that". Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide. Mr Husic said Australia needed to put in place targeted sanctions against Israel's Netanyahu government and Israel Defence Forces for breaches of humanitarian law if the full blockade was not ended. He said the conflict should be a catalyst to fast-track recognition of a Palestinian state, something Labor has committed to doing under certain caveats, so a broader two-state peace solution could be reached. Australia is preparing to send representatives to a high-level conference in June focused on a two-state solution. The conference was mandated by the United Nations and is being co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. More than 1000 people were expected to attend an event at Parliament House on Tuesday evening about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza featuring Australian doctor Mohammed Mustafa and hosted by independent senator David Pocock. Dr Mustafa volunteered in Gaza, providing medical care during two postings, and wants to build a children's hospital there. Dr Mustafa was born a Palestinian refugee, and the emergency physician's family was displaced by Israel. "If I can put aside my trauma and my pain, now I'm asking the other side to put aside their trauma and their pain, because what we're witnessing right now is catastrophic," he said. "We need everybody to come together and stop what's going on." Israel's ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, has been contacted for comment. More than 53,000 people in Gaza have been killed, according to local authorities, after Israel retaliated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The October 7 attack killed 1200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken, according to Israel's tallies. Canada, France and the UK last week warned of "further concrete action" if Israel doesn't halt its military campaign and lift aid restrictions. Using starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime, according to international law experts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese previously said Israel's actions in Gaza were completely unacceptable and "the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage".
Epoch Times
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Labor MP Says Australian Cabinet Considering Sanctions on Israel
Former cabinet minister Ed Husic says the Labor government is considering sanctions in response to humanitarian aid restrictions into Gaza. 'I suspect it's (sanctions) probably under active consideration, drawing up a list of targeted sanctions where we can join with others,' he told ABC Breakfast News. Despite the strong criticism, Australia has so far not joined the UK, France and Canada in threatening penalties. While welcoming the government's stronger language this week, the Muslim MP Husic said more decisive action was needed. 'I think we should be calling in the Israeli ambassador to stress that Australia, as a member of the international community, expects that humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, be delivered, that we ramp up our aid as well,' he added. In an opinion piece for The Guardian, Husic went further, blaming the government for not moving in step with its allies. Related Stories 5/25/2025 5/20/2025 'Australia could have proudly joined them. We didn't.' PM Issues Strongest Statement Yet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on May 26 issued his sharpest criticism yet of Israel's blockade—aimed at curbing supplies to terror group Hamas—describing the restrictions as 'completely unacceptable.' 'It is outrageous that there be a blockade of food and supplies to people who are in need in Gaza,' he said in Canberra. 'We find Israel's excuses and explanations completely untenable and without credibility. People are starving, and the idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage.' Foreign Minister Penny Wong last week joined 23 other countries in calling for 'a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza,' describing reports that 14,000 babies were at risk of dying as 'horrifying.' Netanyahu Yields to Ally Pressure on Gaza Aid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said additional aid 'will be brought in soon to the safe area after we complete the establishment of the humanitarian zone.' In a video posted on social media platform X on May 19, Netanyahu said his decision to resume food aid after pressure from allies. Without naming specific countries, Netanyahu said Israel's 'greatest friends in the world,' including senators, told him, 'We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.' Describing the situation as nearing a 'red line' and a 'dangerous point,' Netanyahu said aid would be limited and monitored to prevent Hamas from seizing supplies.
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Australia could join other countries in sanctioning Israel, expert says
Anthony Albanese's scathing rebuke of Israel for continuing to restrict aid into Gaza has sparked speculation his government is eyeing sanctions on Australia's Middle East ally. Israel last week lifted its months-long aid blockade on Gaza. But despite thousands of lorries packed full of food and critical supplies waiting on the border, fewer than 700 trucks have entered the Palestinian territory, according to Israeli officials. With Gazans facing famine and photos emerging of severely malnourished children, Australia has joined other major Western countries in condemning the Israeli stranglehold on aid. The UK, France and Canada have even threatened sanctions – a step Australia could follow, according to a leading international law expert. Ex-minister Ed Husic on Tuesday called for the Prime Minister to 'move beyond words'. He said that looked like 'calling in the Israeli ambassador to stress that Australia … expects that humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, be delivered' as well as boosting humanitarian support for Gazans. Mr Husic also said he suspected sanctions on Israel were 'under active consideration'. The Albanese government has several 'diplomatic options' it could take before sanctions, ANU professor of international law Donald Rothman told NewsWire. He said the two main courses of action were summoning the Israeli ambassador and issuing a démarche – a formal letter expressing 'displeasure directly to another government'. 'The next option would be, what are the mechanisms available in the sort of toolbox for Australia to respond, over and above a verbal or a written statement expressing its concern directly to the Israeli government,' Dr Rothman said. 'To that end, there's a suite of sanctions that could be available to the government.' How and what sanctions were imposed would depend on why, but Dr Rothman said it was a safe bet that any sanctions would have a 'military dimension associated with them'. 'There has been an ongoing debate on this question ever since the events of October 7 (2023) about whether or not Australia should impose sanctions on Israel with respect to military to military co-operation and the level of military engagement that exists between the two countries,' he said. 'So that's an obvious area where the Albanese government could focus on.' But he noted the 'level of military to military engagement between Australia and Israel is nothing comparable to that which exists between the United States and Israel'. 'It would have a minimal impact on the ability of the Israeli military to exercise its right of self-defence,' Dr Rothman said. If Australian sanctions were part of broader internationals efforts, it would be another story, he said. In his comments on Tuesday, Mr Husic said it was 'clear' the UK, France and Canada were considering sanctioning Israel. He said Australia 'should be ready to move when others move as well, to be able to exert maximum international pressure to stop this blockade and to help people in Gaza'. Dr Rothman said Australian sanctions could sting in a collective approach. 'If Australia was to join like-minded states … one could certainly see Australia seeking to mirror the types of sanctions which ultimately those three states might be moving to impose,' he said. 'And that would mean that cumulatively, the impact would be much better than Australia acting on its own.' Another avenue open to Australia would be targeted travel bans for 'certain Israeli officials'. Dr Rothman said they 'would really just be seen as being very symbolic', but targeting Benjamin Netanyahu directly 'would be a very extreme step'. 'The government has sought to not directly criticise Mr Netanyahu and has been very careful in terms of the way in which it's addressed the question of the (International Criminal Court) arrest warrant against (him),' he said. Getting aid trucks into Gaza has been slow due to inspections and the threat of looting, according to Israeli authorities. The Israeli Prime Minister last week said his government was committed to preventing starvation in Gaza but wanted to ensure aid could not be 'looted' by Hamas. Mr Netanyahu said his country's military would set up secure 'distribution points'. But the plan has drawn ire from the international community. Australia was among 23 countries that issued a joint statement saying the 'proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required'. Criticism has only intensified. Mr Albanese on Monday condemned the trickling in of aid as 'outrageous'. 'People are starving,' he told reporters. 'The idea that a democratic state withholds supply is an outrage. 'That is my clear position. That is one I have indicated clearly and directly to the Israeli government.' He also condemned Hamas, which triggered the war after raiding Israel on October 7, 2023, slaughtering more than 1200 Jewish men, women and children and taking hundreds more hostage. Hamas's October 7 assault was the worst lost of Jewish life since the Holocaust. 'Hamas is a terrorist organisation who should have no role in the future of Gaza or the West Bank,' Mr Albanese said.
News.com.au
27-05-2025
- Politics
- News.com.au
Ex-minister calls on PM to ‘move beyond words', floats Israel sanctions
Ex-minister Ed Husic has called on Anthony Albanese to 'move beyond words' after the Prime Minister unleashed on Israel for keeping a stranglehold on Gaza aid. Fewer than 700 aid trucks have entered Gaza since Israel lifted a months-long blockade last week, according to Israeli authorities. But aid groups, UN officials and many of Israel's allies – including Australia – have said it was not enough to support the more than two million Palestinians facing famine and rampant disease. Mr Husic, who lost his cabinet spot in the factional fighting that reshaped Mr Albanese's second-term ministry, said on Tuesday it 'certainly was important that the Prime Minister speak with the strength that he applied yesterday' but there was an 'expectation' Australia would do more. 'I thought it was a very important intervention,' Mr Husic told the ABC. 'I think that it is critical we also appreciate the huge community sentiment that exists that has been propelled as a result of seeing what's happening to children in Gaza, that the most vulnerable are being made to pay the heaviest price for the operations being undertaken by the Israeli government. 'I think we've got to the threshold where there is an expectation we move beyond words, and that we start to think along the lines of others, other friends in the international community, which will shape up ways in which we will now progress from talk to action, to be able to do whatever we can with others, to be able to bring about an end particularly … in the short term, the blockade that has affected so many.' Mr Husic said moving 'beyond words' looked like 'calling in the Israeli ambassador to stress that Australia … expects that humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies, be delivered' as well as a boost to Australia's humanitarian support for Gazans. He also said he suspected internationally co-ordinated sanctions on Israel were 'under active consideration'. 'It's clear that, from the statement issued by the UK, Canada and France, that that is obviously in their sphere of thought we should be ready to move when others move as well, to be able to exert maximum international pressure to stop this blockade and to help people in Gaza,' Mr Husic said.
