NSW Labor MP talks to shule AGM on Israel
In a wide-ranging address including his views on the Israeli political situation, State Labor MP for Kogarah, Chris Minns, has addressed Southern Sydney Synagogue’s Annual General.
Rabbi Tzuriel Avila, Chris Minns and Dr George Foster
Taking questions from the floor after his speech, Chris Minns was asked in the light of state labor’s conference decision to support a Palestinian State, to elicit his position on the matter.
“It was a conference decision,” Chris Minns said, “I was not there.” However he went on to say that he did support a Palestinian State but only under the conditions of safe and secure borders for Israel.
“Ultimately I hope for a two state solution, yes.” he answered. “behind safe and secure borders.”
“Some saw the Labor conference as an opportunity to pressure Israel,” he remarked although he was not present at the conference.
He was less supportive of the movement to boycott Israeli goods and services assessing these efforts as counter-productive and making the broader point that the movement contained antisemitic elements.
Leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions, Chris Minns revealed that he had been part of a delegation to Israel that had included Opposition leader Bill Shorten and present treasurer Scott Morrison.
“I loved Israel,” he said.
He judged that the Israeli question was not something that was particularly high on the state conference agenda, saying that there were “other issues,” which were of more importance to the party.
“My answers might sound glib, but I am sure I am much less learned on the subject of Israel than you are.” Chris Minns told his audience.
