The fact is that this motion does not confer statehood on the Palestinian territories; it does not do that. It gives a non-state status to the Palestinian delegation, which is somewhat higher than what it enjoys at the present time—a non-state status. Full speech...
…in this case an abstention from the vote is not a wasted vote at all. It is a very important political statement and it reflects our unanimous position, over many, many years and many governments, that a two-state solution must be negotiated through a sensible...
By the government’s action we have given our vote—in effect, our consent—to what Hamas has done. Full speech Senator SINODINOS (New South Wales) (15:11): Today the opposition again extended the hand of bipartisanship on both issues, Israel and the National...
The coalition oppose this motion because we do not believe that it is the path to peace and reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. Full speech Senator FIFIELD (Victoria—Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) (15:42): I seek leave to speak...
…on 29 November there will be a vote in the United Nations General Assembly on the recognition of Palestine as a non-member state observer in the United Nations. This would provide Palestine with the same status as the Vatican and would enhance the legal rights of...