Conversation guide: Call your MP to demand action
For 2 years, Israel has carried out it’s genocide against the Palestinian people while the Australian government continues to offer Israel impunity. Australia must sanction Israel, NOW. Call your MP to deliver this message and demand action.
Things to remember before making your call:
- Make it clear that you are a voter in the electorate your MP represents.
- Be clear and direct about the reason for your call.
- Don’t be afraid to make it personal, let your MP know how this issue and the governments lack of action makes you feel.
- Be polite and avoid explicit/ crude language. While it’s important to communicate your passion about the issue and/or frustration with the government, using harsh language may dissuade your MP from engaging with you.
- Clearly state the actions you want to see taken by your MP.
- Make it clear that their action/ inaction will determine how you vote in future elections.
Remember, your MP’s job is to represent the views and interests of the electorate.
The script below is there to help you navigate your conversation, but remember to put your own spin on it, the most effective call is one that is personal.
Introduce yourself
“Hi there, my name is ______________________ and I am a constituent of ______________________ electorate. I’m calling as I’ve got a request that I’d like you to pass on to my MP __________________.
Explain what you’re calling about, and how it makes you feel
“I’m calling today because I am appalled, horrified and disappointed by the inaction of the Australian government regarding Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza. 2 years have now passed with no meaningful action taken by the Australian government to stop Israel’s genocide in Gaza or Israel’s illegal settlement expansion and occupation of the West Bank.”
“I am utterly distressed by this situation and feel completely let down by Australia’s hypocrisy, racism and double standards. Australia has proven itself more than willing to use sanctions against other countries committing grave international law violations, and I cannot comprehend why we would not use them to compel Israel to end its 24-month-long genocide in Gaza, and to protect millions of Palestinians currently at risk of being annihilated as this brutality continues.
“I feel shocked that we are willing to go to such great lengths to protect Israel regardless of the war crimes, human rights atrocities and genocide it commits. This proves to me that the Australian governments is not doing all it can to intervene, in direct opposition to widespread calls from the community and international legal obligations.”
Explain what you want to see happen
“At a bare minimum, Australia needs to implement immediate country-level sanctions and a two-way arms embargo on Israel, sever economic and military ties with Israel and support international legal accountability, including at the ICJ. Australia must end its complicity in Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people and its illegal occupation and apartheid across Palestine.”
“By taking these urgently needed actions, Australia would be meeting its international legal commitments. Commitments that prohibit not only complicity in genocide, but necessitate that Australia prevent and punish it. I expect that Australia is a responsible and moral country that values human rights, international law and justice and that the Australian government ends its complicity.”
Make your ask
“I would like to ask that you take note of my message and ask [insert name of your local MP] to pass this message onto the Foreign Minister on my behalf, immediately.”
“I will follow this phone call up with an email so that you have my request in
writing.”
“I would also like for [insert name of your local MP] to respond to my request, and to contact me once the Foreign Minister has replied.”
Issue your ultimatum
“I will not stand by while Australia is complicit in Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people and Israel’s illegal settlement expansion and occupation of Palestine – this issue will unequivocally determine how I vote at the next election.”