Coalition ‘extreme’ for being against US on ceasefire
The federal coalition has been criticised as being “extreme” for its stance against a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, leaving it at odds with Australia’s allies.
Senator James Paterson addresses the Senate
Foreign Minister Penny Wong has lashed the federal opposition for its “extreme” stance against a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, putting it at odds with the position of Australia’s most important ally.
A year on from Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, fighting has widened in the region from Gaza to Lebanon, Yemen and Iran.
The coalition on Wednesday criticised Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s call for a ceasefire and de-escalation.
But Senator Wong said the Liberals were now at odds with the international community, including the United States which is pressing for peace.
US Vice President Kamala Harris said her administration was working to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
“(Opposition Leader Peter Dutton) is so focused on dividing Australians over this conflict that he doesn’t realise how isolated his position is,” Senator Wong said on Sunday.
“We know Mr Dutton is negative about everything but it’s pretty extreme to be negative about a ceasefire that saves civilian lives and prevents further disastrous escalation of conflict.”
Asked about being in disagreement with the nation’s closest ally, opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said Australia was a sovereign country.
“It wouldn’t be remarkable for an Australian politician to disagree with an American politician, particularly the United States administration under President Biden and Vice President Harris, a centre-left administration,” he told ABC’s Insiders.
“I’m from a centre-right political party, there’ll be times that we disagree and mature adults can be open and honest.”
Asked if he wanted to see a ceasefire enforced, Senator Paterson said the opposition wanted to see an end to the conflict.
“In my view, that will only happen once Hamas releases the hostages and once Hamas is degraded, so they no longer pose an ongoing threat to Israel from Gaza,” he said.
Labor failed to secure bi-partisanship on a motion commemorating the first anniversary of October 7, which Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres labelled “deeply disappointing”.
More than 1200 Israelis were killed when Hamas launched its attack last year, taking hundreds more hostage.
By: Tess Ikonomou and William Ton/AAP
