“Deputy Speaker I bring to the chamber today a petition, signed by 124,665 Australians, calling on the Australian Government to end Australia’s supply of weapons to Israel and oppose illegal Israeli settlements.“
“The petition, run by Amnesty International Australia, reveals that Australians know the Government is fudging when it claims Australia is not involved in arms trade with Israel.
“And it demonstrates a clear public appetite for Australia to do the right thing and ensure that our weapons, components and resources do not contribute to violations of international law, including war crimes and genocide.
“Deputy Speaker, the steps the petition asks of the Government are clear and achievable. To impose a national arms embargo on Israel; to end any Australian involvement in the supply of weapons to Israel; to oppose unlawful Israeli settlements; and to establish a transparent national arms control system with robust monitoring and end-use verification mechanisms.
“Australia has often had an outsized influence in creating and preserving international law. The Red Lines package, which I supported the introduction of today, would be an opportunity for the Government to respond to this petition and take up the mantle of global leadership on international humanitarian law once again. And I urge the Government to progress it.
“Deputy Speaker, I seek leave to table a copy of the petition.