Ed Husic, a former federal minister and the first Muslim MP elected to the Australian Parliament, has publicly criticized the Labor government’s response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Following his removal from the ministry, Husic is convinced that his ousting is directly related to him being vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He too believes that his leaving is a response to worries about his NSW Right faction’s over-representation in the government.
Husic believes that his outspoken position on Gaza had resulted in his marginalisation among discussions inside the party room. He was the first to tell you that he was dismayed by his own country, Australia’s failure to act. By contrast, countries such as the UK, France and Canada have threatened Israel with sanctions over its conduct in Gaza. It’s a shame, because as the UN says, Australia “could have proudly joined them.” Rather, Australia has kept quiet and inactive.
A Call for Action
In light of the alarming reports indicating that 14,000 babies are at risk of dying in Gaza, Husic emphasized the urgent need for Australia to increase its humanitarian aid. While he welcomed the support already provided, he said, “Australia can and should be doing more. Into this gap stepped Husic to argue for stronger government intervention. He urged them to call in the Israeli ambassador and demand an immediate increase in humanitarian aid into the area.
Husic highlighted the disparity between Australia’s support for Ukraine and its aid to Gaza, remarking, “Just as we have rightly seen fit to provide $1 billion supporting Ukraine, we can lift our contribution to Gaza well above the $100 million provided to date.” He urged Australia to take a much tougher line. The humanitarian disaster currently unfolding in Gaza requires immediate intervention.
“There’s no way in the world I could just sit and not say something.” – Ed Husic
Historical Context
In her arguments, Husic called upon the legacy of previous Labor heads, including Bob Hawke, who notoriously once opposed apartheid. He also called on the new administration to act. They must take a more active role in addressing worldwide human rights crises, in particular the devastating situation in Gaza. His remarks point to a growing concern from within the ranks of Labor. They fear for the party’s commitment to social justice and humanitarian values.
In a breathtaking display of politicisation and projection, he lashed Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles. He called him a “factional assassin,” showing that intra-party factionalism played a major role in his ouster. This infighting among almost 40 members of the Labor party has called into question the party’s cohesiveness and vision at a time of immense global challenges.
Government Response
In response to calls for increased action, a spokesperson for the federal government stated, “We have made clear to the Israeli government that this suffering cannot continue.” Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed her concern, issuing a joint statement demanding “a full and immediate resumption of aid to Gaza.”
Accounts coming out of Gaza paint a horrific picture, with displaced Palestinians unable to find food, water, medicine. Photos depict people shoving each other around tents handing out water in refugee camps. Yet today, the humanitarian crisis has only deepened, leading to an increasing chorus of international calls for stronger action to end the suffering.
Even Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged Husic’s lack of joy upon discovering his removal after being dumped. He expressed sympathy for Husic, conceding he too would be upset under such a scenario.
