Penny Wong, Australia’s Foreign Minister, has been at the forefront of shaping Labor’s policies regarding Palestine for seven years. Wong has gradually — if quietly — pushed her party to support a Palestinian state, leading up to the important announcements made this week. This promising policy shift comes as a response to largely unimpeded violence and humanitarian crisis that continues to plague the region. “To his credit, Wong noted it’s been more than seventy years since the world pledged to create a Palestinian state.
In April 2024, Wong made an unequivocal move in support of Palestinian statehood. She used that time to announce that Australia is now poised to officially recognize Palestine. We hope this decision will contribute to long lasting peace in the Middle East. Wong highlighted the significance of this recognition when she signed a joint declaration with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Both leaders have approached this sensitive issue cautiously, aiming to ensure that each step taken is firmly grounded in a broader context.
A Long-Standing Commitment
Wong’s dedication to Palestinian statehood has shown through her political career. In 2018, she was instrumental in brokering a cross-factional agreement that gave her party room within the Labor Party. This pact required the next Labor government to support the recognition of Palestine as a priority. Her advocacy helped achieve the policy’s formal adoption into the national platform in 2021, and its reaffirmation in 2023.
In person, Wong’s softly spoken demeanor is disarming compared to the weighty issues she strives to make accessible. She has long maintained that referring to “Occupied Palestinian Territories” complies with internationally accepted standards. This alignment is a further step towards practice seen in other countries and the United Nations. This pragmatic approach demonstrates her awareness of the nuance that accompanies the reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“I understand that on this issue, history casts a long shadow.” – Anthony Albanese
Albanese’s acknowledgment of historical complexities highlights the delicate balance both he and Wong must navigate as they chart Australia’s course in foreign policy.
A Response to Humanitarian Crises
The death and destruction from the recent escalation of violence in Gaza has only added urgency to cries for action. Wong remarked on the chilling impact of the situation, stating, “Australians, people around the world, have been haunted by the images.” She referenced fellow Australians’ wish for the protracted conflict to come to an end. She explained, as we consider recognizing Palestine, we need to be cautious.
Wong and Albanese made it clear that their stance is not just about internal politics but rather a response to a humanitarian crisis that has left millions suffering. Wong stated, “We have always said that Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas. A whole population has been shattered.” Their commitment to peace in the region is deeper than mere ritual though, because they believe that recognizing a Palestinian state could lead to that resolution.
Albanese echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “A two-state solution is humanity’s best hope to break the cycle of violence in the Middle East and to bring an end to the conflict, suffering, and starvation in Gaza.” This view further deepens their resolve to be clean history makers in an increasingly complicated geopolitical environment.
Navigating Political Challenges
Notwithstanding their resolve and determination, Wong and Albanese are already being attacked over this major policy transition. Some opponents argue that recognizing Palestine before resolving issues such as hostage situations and dealing with Hamas may inadvertently support the group’s strategic objectives. Sussan Ley and Michaelia Cash expressed concerns, stating, “Recognising a Palestinian state prior to a return of the hostages and defeat of Hamas risks delivering Hamas one of its strategic objectives.”
Wong realizes that acknowledging Palestine isn’t simply a question of party politics. This important decision carries significant weight for international development and humanitarian assistance. She articulated a crucial point regarding the legality of settlements, stating that such actions are “illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace.”
As always, Wong and Albanese are non-committal and leave themselves plenty of room to manoeuvre. They understand Australia is not a major player in Middle Eastern politics. They’ve been careful to signal that Australia has a place in that supportive role. At the same time they’re keen to point out that Australia doesn’t have all the answers.
