The government is using Australia’s voice to strongly advocate for the release of hostages, the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and a pathway out of this conflict. It’s of deep regret that the government does not have partners in this effort, especially the Greens, who are only looking at how they can use this crisis to whip up votes.
Senator FARRELL (South Australia—Minister for Trade and Tourism, Special Minister of State and Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) (09:37): Listening to Senator Steele-John, you might not recall that, on 7 October, brutal Hamas terrorists—
Senator Steele-John interjecting—
Senator FARRELL: I sat quietly, Senator, while you made your statement. I’d like to get the same respect, if you don’t mind.
Senator Steele-John interjecting—
Senator FARRELL: I’d ask for the same respect. What I’m saying is that it would seem, from listening to your address a moment ago, Senator Steele-John, that the events of 7 October, when Hamas terrorists murdered, raped and kidnapped innocent Israeli civilians, did not occur, but they did occur, Senator Steele-John. Australia is a respected voice on the conflict in the Middle East, even if we’re not central players in the Middle East. The government is using Australia’s voice to strongly advocate for the release of hostages, the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and a pathway out of this conflict. It’s of deep regret that the government does not have partners in this effort, especially the Greens, who are only looking at how they can use this crisis to whip up votes. That’s the reality.
Honourable senators interjecting—
Senator FARRELL: That is the reality. You’re only using this to whip up votes as a—
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT ( Senator Marielle Smith ): Senator Farrell, resume your seat, please. Senator Steele-John was heard in silence. That is a respectful approach. I ask that Senator Farrell be able to make his remarks in silence.
Senator McKim: On a point of order, Acting Deputy President: Senator Farrell is impugning the motives of—
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: There is no point of order, Senator McKim.
Senator McKim: There is actually a point of order, based on the President’s ruling yesterday with regard to Senator Hume. I ask that you either rule now or come back to the chamber later with a ruling on whether impugning the motives, which is clearly what happened, of a group of people—that is, the Greens senators—in this place in the most despicable way is within or contrary to standing orders.
Senator Scarr: On the point of order: the point of order yesterday that was raised was in relation to Senator Hume’s reference to the government and use of the term ‘lie’, which has a particular connotation in the context of our standing orders. With due respect to Senator McKim, I don’t think there’s substance to his point of order.
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: My advice is that it’s appropriate to rule against that point of order, but, as I am acting in this chair, if you would like me to have a conversation with the President about that at a later stage, I will. But my advice is that Senator Farrell is in order.
Senator FARRELL: If the Greens were sincere in their concern about the crisis in the Middle East, they would be engaging on a pathway to peace and keeping our community unified. Instead, the Greens are seeking to divide our community simply to pick up votes. I would remind the Greens that right now—
Honourable senators interjecting—
Senator FARRELL: I know you don’t want to listen to this, but right now there are more than 130 hostages being held by Hamas. An estimated 1.7 million people in Gaza are internally displaced, and there are increasingly fewer places for the Palestinians to go. I remind the Senate that we are seeing attacks on Iran-aligned militias right across the region. The Houthis are conducting attacks in the Red Sea that are threatening international maritime trade and regional security. We’re supporting efforts by the United States and the United Kingdom to disrupt, degrade and deter them. I know you don’t want any of those things, but that’s—
Senator Shoebridge interjecting—
Senator Scarr: If he could withdraw that remark. I also have a point of order: the continual interjections to Senator Farrell’s contribution. You’ve repeatedly called a number of senators to order. I think it’s getting beyond a joke.
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, you’ve been requested to withdraw your remark. I did not hear it, but I’m inviting you to withdraw, please.
Senator Shoebridge: Is that my comment that he’s a lapdog of the United States?
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Senator Shoebridge, it is not appropriate to repeat the remark.
Senator Shoebridge: For the assistance of debate, I will withdraw the remark.
The ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I will return the call to Senator Farrell, but I do ask that senators treat this debate respectfully. I appreciate that it is important to many people in this chamber. Senator Steele-John was heard in silence. I ask you to allow Senator Farrell to continue his remarks.
Senator FARRELL: We’re working with our partners to manage risk to avoid regional escalation of the issue. I said before that we don’t have partners in this effort. The Greens continue to not be interested in a unified community and a pathway to peace. Israelis deserve better, Palestinians deserve better, and the Australian people deserve better.