Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has attacked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his response to the October 7 terror attack on Israel, claiming it has incited antisemitism.
Albanese moved a motion in parliament today to condemn the attack and honour the victims following its first anniversary yesterday, while also calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and a diplomatic solution in Lebanon amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
He said the innocent lives of "every Israeli, every Palestinian and every Lebanese" matters.
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"Our government has consistently and repeatedly called for a ceasefire, for the release of all hostages and for the protection of all civilians," he said.
"We remain committed to a two state solution as a path to enduring peace. Two states, Israel and Palestine living peacefully side by side with prosperity and security for their people."
Dutton told parliament he would not support the motion after failing to reach a bipartisan agreement with Albanese during meetings earlier this morning.
"This government has sought to walk both sides of the street in relation to what has been a very divisive debate for our country," he said.
"It's what, in part, has given rise to the antisemitism that we have seen in university campuses but across society more generally."
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https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1843014648486064360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Dutton said the motion went beyond the intent to honour the victims.
"There has been a position of bipartisanship on these issues, and your predecessors would have had the decency to respect the Jewish community in a way you've not done today,'' Dutton said.
"And for that, prime minister, you should stand condemned.
"We have put to this prime minister a more than reasonable position and the prime minister has rejected that position for his own political domestic advancement and that has been recognised by millions of Australians."
Albanese was seen shaking his head as the remarks were made in parliament.