TRANSCRIPT
Strong words from a Labor backbencher - as Fatima Payman became the first member of the government to label Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.
“This is a genocide and we need to stop pretending otherwise."
…And directly calling out the Prime Minister.
"I ask our Prime Minister and our fellow parliamentarians how many international rights laws must Israel break for us to say enough? What is the magic number? How many lives need to be lost before we say enough?"
Speaking with SBS... she concluded with this statement.
"I ask you to join me to continue to call for freedom from the occupation, freedom from the violence and freedom from the inequality. From the river to the sea. Palestine will be free."
The comments took Prime Minister Anthony Albanese by surprise, as he told the ABC.
EPSTEIN: “Should she have given your office a heads up before she spoke?”
ALBANESE: “That's a matter for her.”
EPSTEIN: “But I'm just asking you, are you concerned about that at all or not? “
ALBANESE: “Well she's an adult, people take responsibility for the statements that they make.”
But he branded the statement inappropriate, a sentiment echoed by Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
"The phrase from the river to the sea is not consistent with a two state solution. And it is that solution which is needed for peace and security of Palestinians and Israelis alike. Colleagues, Australia is not a central player in the Middle East. But we are a respected voice. And we use our voice to advocate for humanitarian ceasefire for the release of hostages for a two state solution."
In the Senate, Labor supported a coalition motion, condemning the use of the phrase, brought forward by Liberal senator Simon Birmingham
He says it's antisemitic.
"The slogan from the river to the sea Palestine will be free, opposes Israel's right to exist, and is frequently used by those who seek to intimidate Jewish Australians by acts of antisemitism."
Senator Payman was not present for the motion - that Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe condemned.
"Shame on you Labor! Shame, you are complicit in genocide." (INTERJECTION: "Order, Senator Thorpe. Let us remind you to direct your comments through the chair.") "You are all complicit of genocide, as these figures are only the tip of the iceberg."
Liberal Senator James Paterson says the way the Prime Minister responds will be a test of his leadership.
"Senator Payman has laid down three very serious challenges to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today, and he faces a very serious test of his leadership."
When asked about it in Question Time, Anthony Albanese once again condemned the chant.
"The chant, from the river to the sea, has been used from time to time by some in the pro-Palestinian movement, by some who argue that Israel should be just one state as well and that Gaza and West Bank should be wiped out. It is inappropriate. I very strongly believe in a two-state solution. I strongly believe in the right of Israel to exist within secure borders. I strongly believe as well in the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people."
