Secord Back-Seated as Friends of Israel is revived
NSW Labor Upper House Member of Parliament Walt Secord successfully suggested to Liberal member Gabrielle Upton that the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel group be revived…but Premier O’Farrell is saying no to a bipartisan leadership.
In a statement to J-Wire, the disappointed Secord said: “I am very disappointed that the Premier would seek to politicise or interfere in a tiny State Parliamentary Friendship Group to support Israel. It is very petty.
Walt Secord
For the record, shortly after my June inaugural speech, in the spirit of bipartisanship and my unwavering support for the State of Israel, I sought out the Liberal Vaucluse MP, Ms Gabrielle Upton as her electorate has a significant Jewish population and suggested that we revive the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Israel.
I proposed we serve as equal co-convenors to give it a pure bi-partisan approach.
But on Thursday afternoon (August 4 at 5.15pm), I was told the Premier was insisting that the State Government have the sole position of convenor of the friendship group with a Labor MP as deputy.
I was astonished that at a time like this when the State of Israel is under constant attack in the international community and the subject of an abhorrent local boycott of Jewish and Israeli businesses (BDS) that Barry O’Farrell would seek to reject an advance from a long-time supporter of Israel from the progressive side of politics.
At a time like this, I thought such an overture and overt support for Israel would have been embraced.
“I am extremely disappointed, however, in the true spirit of bipartisanship and out of my support for the State of Israel, I will put forward my nomination as Deputy Chair when the foundation meeting is planned. T he NSW Parliamentary Friends of Palestine have informed me that they have two co-convenors – Labor’s Lynda Voltz and Greens’ David Shoebridge – so there is scope for a co-convenors.”
Good on you Michael.
With tongue in cheek, I can recall how quickly Jewish Legal Counsel is sought in situations where there is some dirty washing coming to light.
A friend in deed is a friend indeed.
I am a Liberal voter. However on this issue I believe the Premier is wrong. We need strong bi-partisan support to show those on the left who are motivated by lies and propaganda from the arab league and other protaganists rather than the facts on what is really happening in Israel and the surrounding arab states that your political stance should not be an inhibitor to standing up for Israel and showing that support publicly. It is imperative to counter those lies and bi-partisanship is the best way to show and educate the masses.
Write to Barry; I think you will find he will go so far and no more.
Write to Barry !!!!
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Barry O’Farrell MP
Premier, and Minister for Western Sydney