“Deputy speaker I second the Red Lines Bill introduced by the Member for McKellar, and I acknowledge everyone who helped make it a reality.”
“Deputy speaker Australia has often had an outsized influence in creating and preserving international law. For instance we were front and centre during the establishment of the United Nations, the peaceful scientific settlement in the Antarctic, the end of apartheid in South Africa, and independence for East Timor.
“This reflected a nation with both integrity, and a clear understanding of what was in our national interest.
“And to those ends again this Bill gives Australia another opportunity to reaffirm our leadership, and to meet our legal and moral obligation not to fund, arm or invest in illegal settlements, war crimes or genocide.
“Because in times of growing global uncertainty it matters more than ever that responsible middle powers like Australia uphold the rule of law, and reinforce the principles of international justice and accountability. Remember these principles protect us here in Australia, and billions around the world.
“In other words, when we fail to work with others to uphold international law, we help erode the very foundations of peace and security that have served Australia so well for so long.
“Now I’m clear-eyed deputy speaker about the flaws in the international rules-based order, and the criticism it faces for differential application and enforcement. Indeed, we’ve seen three years of genocide in Gaza, 12 years of illegal Russian aggression in Ukraine, and six decade of ruthless US exceptionalism under the Trump Administration.
“But those failures aren’t reasons to abandon our support for international law. They’re reasons to demonstrate consistency and to work harder with other nations to strengthen its principles and application, both at home and abroad.
“So to that end, this Bill addresses Australia’s trade and commerce associated with illegally occupied territories. It addresses the grave international crime of genocide. And it addresses Australia’s defence trade obligations to ensure we stop supporting genocide, war crimes or other serious violations of international law.
“Taken together, these measures ensure Australia does not fund, arm or invest in conduct that violates the very principles of international law we have long championed.
“And in doing so, the Red Lines Package gives practical effect to Australia’s commitment to accountability, human dignity and the rule of law. “