Peter Dutton MP – urging the Prime Minister to travel to Israel

October 19, 2023

I think it would also be in our country’s best interest, Prime Minister, to go via Tel Aviv and provide support to the Israeli leadership. I know that Prime Minister Netanyahu hasn’t had a chance to return your call, but it is important for us to be able to stand with Israel at this time, as other world leaders have done.

Mr DUTTON (DicksonLeader of the Opposition) (15:20): on indulgence—We wish the Prime Minister safe travels. Obviously, parliament won’t be able to sit next week as a result of this trip. There’ll be one day inserted into the calendar in December, so we’ll miss out on the opportunity for debate in the chamber, which is regrettable. I think it would also be in our country’s best interest, Prime Minister, to go via Tel Aviv and provide support to the Israeli leadership. I know that Prime Minister Netanyahu hasn’t had a chance to return your call, but it is important for us to be able to stand with Israel at this time, as other world leaders have done. That should be to priority, frankly, of any international travel at the moment so that we can seek to be part of an alliance to keep the pressure down on those who seek to have a wider conflict in the region. It would be appropriate, Prime Minister, and we would fully support that initiative.

Link to Parliamentary Hansard