Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has cautioned Australia’s political and community leaders to show restraint, calling out “disturbing rhetoric” that has emerged as tensions rise ahead of a likely ground invasion of Gaza by Israeli forces.
“We have seen some disturbing rhetoric in recent weeks,” Senator Wong told a budget estimates hearing on Monday.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said the government was prepared to use foreign interference laws against supporters of the Iranian regime.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen
“We are seeing a human tragedy, and I would observe that how all of us as political leaders approach these issues does have an impact on the unity of our country. Australians are deeply distressed, and rightly so, and this distress is felt most acutely in our Jewish community and our Palestinian community.”
The foreign minister said all MPs should strive for unity and social cohesion, days after growing divisions were exposed within Labor, nationally and in NSW, over Australia’s response to the war.
“I ask all parliamentarians when we speak let us speak with respect and understanding,” she said.
Earlier, Wong used social media to support a joint statement from the US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and the UK reiterating their support for Israel and calling for the release of all remaining hostages.
AP