I support Palestine and I vote 2013

Liberal and National Party positions

Following is the Liberal Party and National Party national policy platforms on Palestine

Liberal Party
The Liberal Party have not responded to requests for their current policy.  Their current public policy is available at http://www.liberal.org.au/sites/default/files/PlatformV11version3.pdf  You can also read the Shadow Foreign Minister's recent comments on the UN resolution on Palestine being accepted as a state.

In June 2013, The Shadow Foriegn Minister was reported as saying "We will return to what was previously bipartisan support for Israel"

National Party

"Our foreign policy position is based on a continuing assessment of Australia’s strategic and economic interests and the values of the Australian people.

In relation to Palestine the Coalition made its position clear in November last year when the Julie Bishop, the Shadow  Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed disappointment that the Labor Government decided to abstain from voting at the United Nations on the matter of Palestinian Observer Status.

The Nationals supported the view that Australia should have voted against this bid as we do not believe that this is the path to peace and reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. As Julie bishop said :

“Our concern is that the drive for greater recognition at the United Nations is an attempt by Palestinian leaders to enable them to bring action against Israel through the international courts.

It also risks conferring increased international status on the militant group Hamas which governs Gaza.

This action is likely to escalate and prolong the conflict, rather than lead to a resolution of disputes.

The path to peace is for the Palestinian leadership to officially recognise the right of Israel to exist and to halt the firing of rockets and mortars as part of a campaign by militants to terrorise and kill Israeli civilians.

Australia has long supported the two-state solution and the right of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples to live peacefully and in safety within internationally recognised borders. We urge both sides to resume negotiations towards a lasting peace in the region.”

The position outlined in the above statement reflects the view of The Nationals.

As we approach the election The Nationals together with the Liberal Party will publish in detail the Coalition’s foreign policy which will include our position on the Middle-East together with strengthening relations with our allies and partners, a strong commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and an increased focus on the Indian Ocean region".

Michael Kauter, on behalf of, Scott Mitchell, Federal Director, 8 July, 2013