Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Brown for his ongoing interest in this area. The Australian government is committed to peace and security in the Middle East and to supporting progress in the Middle East peace process. Australia consistently and strongly supports a negotiated two-state solution that will allow a secure and independent Israel to live side by side with a secure and independent future Palestinian state. Australia continues to urge both parties to return to direct negotiations as a matter of urgency as the only way a just and enduring peace can be achieved. Australia is a friend and close partner of Israel and has a strong and longstanding commitment to Israel's right to security and self-defence. Australia is also making a tangible contribution to the peace process through support for the Palestinian people. Since 2007 the Australian government has provided nearly $170 million in humanitarian and institution-building assistance to the Palestinian Authority and refugees. On 18 September in New York, Foreign Minister Rudd and Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad signed a five-year development partnership with the Palestinian Authority, which includes regular budget support delivered through the World Bank and scholarships focusing on disciplines critical to institution building.

Mr Rudd underlined to both sides Australia's strong support for a negotiated two-state solution during visits to Israel and the Palestinian territories in December 2010 and March and April 2011. The government is closely following developments around a possible UN resolution on Palestinian statehood. We note statements on this matter by President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu in recent days. Foreign Minister Rudd is discussing this matter in person as Australia's representative at the UN General Assembly meeting. The government will make a decision on the matter closer to the time of any vote after a text is circulated.