Topics: Israel – Hezbollah conflict; Timeline to Palestinian statehood; Labor weakening Australian economy; Katy Perry to Adelaide;
08:05AM AEST
30 September 2024
Michael Rowland: Let’s talk more about this and bring in the Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Birmingham. He joins us from Adelaide. Senator Birmingham, good morning to you.
Simon Birmingham: Hello, Michael. Good to be with you.
Michael Rowland: Do you support calls for a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel?
Simon Birmingham: Obviously what we’re seeing are deeply troublesome times. And we do wish to see a ceasefire and for peace to be achieved. Now, how that is achieved is what matters. The statement released by the United States and other parties, including Australia, was calling for achieving, ultimately enforcement of what is known as UN Security Council 1701. It’s a long-standing resolution that Hezbollah has been acting continuously in breach of by operating within southern Lebanon, by firing missiles and rockets into Israel continuously, and this is the type of activity that has precipitated Israel’s response and the conflict we are seeing at present. If we can see those terms achieved. If we can see those terms achieved, if we can see 1701 in force and Hezbollah taken out of action, then that can provide a basis for a peace that we would all wish to see, that can end this type of suffering.
Michael Rowland: Are you worried, though, about where things might end up in the Middle East, in Israel, in Lebanon, before we even get to discussing that prospect?
Simon Birmingham: There are always reasons for concern and in a situation where the conflict is as real as it is, and especially when it is being driven and sponsored by the likes of Iran, who continue to drive Hezbollah, to drive Hamas, the Houthi rebels, all different terrorist organisations in ways that create the type of disruption through their targeting, their commitment to the destruction of Israel and to ultimately indiscriminate killing. All of that, of course, leads all of us to have real and hold real concerns.
Michael Rowland: Saw a number of pro-Palestinian protests around the country yesterday and at some of those protests photos of Hassan Nasrallah and flags that have been identified as Hezbollah flags. The Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, has taken a very dim view of this, saying visas might be looked at for people inciting discord at those rallies, carrying photographs of the likes of Hassan Nasrallah. Is that an approach you’d support?
Simon Birmingham: Absolutely, and the government should be going further than that. These are despicable and reprehensible acts to see people celebrating the life of a terrorist and promoting the values or ideals of a terrorist organisation, it has no place in Australia. We should be seeing thorough investigations by the police. Those investigations should be leading to criminal charges, using the laws that have been put in place to ban the promotion of terrorist propaganda and symbols and slogans. As well as seeing visas cancelled and the government needs to not just show words in relation to this, but demonstrate actions and do so swiftly.
Michael Rowland: The government has also been very clear that it wants Australian citizens and residents in Lebanon to get out as quickly as possible. Members of the Australian Lebanese community, Simon Birmingham, say it’s not that simple and they’ve been calling on the government to help in that process through things like repatriation flights. Is that something you think Australia should consider?
Simon Birmingham: Steve, I think that Australians in Lebanon should have heeded the warnings that the Government and frankly, we in the Opposition have given on a bipartisan basis for many months now. Indeed, it is months since we, as an Opposition, sought briefings from the Government to ensure that we understood what processes and plans they had in place, but also since we have joined them in calling for Australians to leave as and when they could, and for people who have left it until now, they have made decisions themselves. So, whilst the Australian Government should be making sure that where possible, practical assistance can be provided, I think Australian taxpayers would be of the view that people who have ignored all warnings until now, and those warnings have been clear and consistent, should have to foot the bills to find and take whatever pathways are available to get out.
Michael Rowland: Penny Wong, as you know, the Foreign Minister told the United Nations a few days ago she wants a timeline set for a two-state solution in the Middle East. The Coalition’s formal policy is supportive of a two-state solution. So, what was wrong with her expressing that view?
Simon Birmingham: Well, what’s wrong is that it’s a foolish idea that creates the wrong incentives. Just having an arbitrary timeline won’t solve the problems in the Middle East. What you need are clear preconditions. Preconditions in relation to the release of the hostages Hamas still holds. The surrendering of terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. The achieving of security commitments and agreements between the two parties. Ultimately, those steps and then, of course, the long-term fundamental issues that need to be resolved, agreed and secure borders. Challenging issues around rights of return and citizenship rights. So just saying we need an arbitrary timeline isn’t going to secure peace because it leaves all of the difficult issues unresolved.
Michael Rowland: Okay, a couple of other quick issues before you leave us. Simon Birmingham. The Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, has confirmed that the Government has indeed delivered back-to-back surpluses, the first since the dying days of the Howard government. Now, that deserves something of a tick, doesn’t it?
Simon Birmingham: Well, we’re pleased to see surpluses, but let’s be very clear, Michael. The surpluses were a government that inherited two and a half years ago, an improving budget position and steady economic growth, low unemployment. And now, after three Labor budgets, we have anaemic economic growth, unemployment forecast to go up and the budget forecast to go back into deficit as a result of increasing levels of government spending. So, if it were government management, if it were Labor’s management that was delivering surpluses, why is it that they’re going into deficit under all of their forecasts? And the answer to that is because of their spending.
Michael Rowland: Finally, breaking news this morning that Katy Perry is adding Adelaide to her Australian tour next year as a proud South Australian. Simon Birmingham, are you looking forward to hearing her roar in Adelaide next year?
Simon Birmingham: Michael, a proud South Australian and a father of 12-year-old and 13-year-old girls. I reckon I’ll have to be logging on and buying tickets as soon as they come on sale.
Michael Rowland: Looking forward to the pictures of proud dad bopping away to Katy Perry next year.
Simon Birmingham: The expectations are going to be running high when they see the front page of the news this morning.
Michael Rowland: Yeah, no pressure on you then. Simon Birmingham, as always, appreciate your time. Thank you.
Simon Birmingham: Thanks, guys.
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