David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Wong. Senator, the Prime Minister has stated in relation to Gaza:

Quite clearly it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered which was a decision that Israel made in March.

When will your government move from statements such as this to material action to enforce international law, such as joining South Africa's genocide case in the ICJ, Magnitsky sanctions against the whole Netanyahu security cabinet and an end to all military cooperation with Israel?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Shoebridge for the question. As you would know, President, the catastrophic situation in Gaza has gone beyond the world's worst fears. We know that Australians and people around the world are distressed and angry about what is occurring, including the ongoing violence and the deaths of so many innocent civilians, and this is unacceptable. As the Prime Minister said—I think Senator Shoebridge went to this—it is a breach of international law to stop food being delivered, which is the decision that Israel made in March. I would add to that. It is also a breach of decent humanity.

It is the case that Australia is not a central player, but we do add our voice to the calls from the international community. Senator Shoebridge would be aware that as Foreign minister I joined a statement from what was then 27 other countries; since then, others have added themselves to that statement, and that is a good ring. Together with partners, we have called for all parties to abide by international humanitarian law. Together with partners, we have condemned the denial of aid and the killing of civilians. Together with partners, we have been part of the international call for a ceasefire and hostage deal, and we remain unequivocal in our condemnation of Hamas. Also, as you would be aware, we do not provide weapons to Israel and have not for five years since this conflict began. We have sanctioned extremist settler entities and individuals, and we have sanctioned members of the Netanyahu government for the human rights abuses of Palestinians. We have called on Israel to abide by the decisions and findings of the International Court of Justice.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Shoebridge, first supplementary?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Given you have repeatedly stated that the Australian government has full knowledge of and concurrence with what happens at Pine Gap, what steps have you taken to ensure the joint US-Australian spy facility at Pine Gap is not being used to assist the Israeli military in its breaches of international law as identified?

Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A point of order, President: I don't really see how that's relevant to the primary question that Senator Shoebridge asked.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'll seek some advice on that. I am advised that the question is quite comprehensive in the way it has been drafted; therefore, it drifts across some portfolio areas. As a supplementary question, it does also contain some references to the primary question, so I'm going to invite the minister to answer the question which relates specifically to her portfolio matters.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I understand that the Greens are desperate to try and gain domestic political traction from this conflict—so desperate that they would make the assertions that are being made, which are not responsible and are inaccurate. Senator Shoebridge, I think we all understand some of the political tactics, including by the opposition, in relation to this conflict. I think most Australians are appalled by what they see but also recognise that they don't want the conflict reproduced here by people making inaccurate statements like the one you just made.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I believe the minister has concluded her answer, Senator Shoebridge, so I'm going to invite you to ask your second supplementary.

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Foreign Minister, noting those answers, recently leaked flight manifests reported in Declassified Australia have shown that the Royal Australian Air Force earlier this month facilitated the transfer of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel. Will you, Minister, stop this from happening again?

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator, I again say to you: I have said in this place—and so has the Prime Minister in the other place—that we are not supplying weapons or ammunition to Israel. We have not done so since the Hamas-Israel conflict began and for at least the past five years. I know that will not stop you from spreading misinformation about the longstanding—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Wong, please resume your seat. Order! Senator Shoebridge?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, this question is about flight manifests that show the RAAF transferring it and the minister is not being relevant—deliberately personal, but not relevant.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Shoebridge, I'm assuming you are raising a point of order. You need to say that when you stand, not just begin reiterating the question. Is it a point of order?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A point of order, President, on relevance: the question is about the flight manifests—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You do not need to repeat the question. Please resume your seat. The minister is being relevant to your question.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I think everyone watching this will see that the Australian Greens political party are desperate to try and play domestic politics with this dreadful conflict. Shame on you. I have explained to you multiple times—and yet, despite that, you continue to spread misinformation. We are part of the longstanding F-35 consortium. It is essential to our sovereign defence capability, and—

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Answer the question, then.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Are you going to keep shouting at me? Is that how you deal with things? Would you like me to sit down?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I've asked you to come to order three times, Senator Shoebridge. Minister, please continue.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As part of the global F-35 supply chain, we contribute components and parts that are nonlethal in nature. (Time expired)