Plibersek, Wong reject NSW Labor on Palestine recognition proposal

Published: 6 July 2017

Last updated: 19 March 2024

ALP parliamentary leaders take conspicuous position in opposition to Bob Carr’s speech

Penny Wong says NSW Labor won't dictate party's position on Palestine
Tanya Plibersek agrees and says she will stick with federal party position on ‘recognition of a two-state solution’ (Guardian, July 3)

Recognising Palestine ignores need for peace
COLIN RUBENSTEIN: An informed look at the current situation would make it clear that premature recognition of "Palestine" as a state would actually have the opposite effect (AFR, July 5).

Read the full list of NSW ALP resolutions on recognising Palestine

The NSW ALP ‘Australia and the World Policy Committee’ recommends resolutions for adoption at its Conferences, this year taking place on July 29-30. It has received 50 suggestions from branches and organs, of which 26 relate to Israel and the proposed recognition of a Palestinian state.

Resolution 23 forms the core recommendation for adoption (with two exceptions the rest are either subsumed by it, or are rejected).

Resolution 23 reads:

Notes previous resolutions on Israel/Palestine carried at the 2015 ALP National Conference and the 2016 NSW Labor Annual Conference; and

Urges the next Labor government to recognise Palestine.

Here are the others:

24. Auburn Lidcombe Branch/Riverwood Branch/Liverpool Branch/Liverpool South Branch/ Barton FEC
That Conference endorses the view of former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd that now is the time for Australia to recognise Palestine to save the two state solution.
There can be no two state solution without a state of Palestine.
There can be no progress towards peace and security between the two peoples without a Palestinian state.
We recommend that the next New South Wales and national party conferences commit the next Labor government to joining the 138 other nations which already recognise the state of Palestine.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

25. Auburn Lidcombe Branch/The Entrance SEC
That in view of:
• it now being 60 years since Israel occupied the Palestinian West Bank in 1967;
• the world community repeatedly endorsing a two state solution;
• the present Israeli Government being the most conservative and chauvinist in the country’s history;
• the Israelis repeatedly defying international law by spreading settlements on the West Bank
The next Labor Government should join the 136 nations that have already recognised a Palestinian state.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

26. Maroubra Branch/Auburn Lidcombe Branch/Greenacre Branch/Mount Colah Berowra Branch/ Hornsby Branch/Ku-Ring-Gai SEC/Berowra FEC
Conference notes:
• Israel continues to occupy East Jerusalem and the West Bank;
• Israel continues to construct settlements illegal under international law; and
• Palestinians suffer oppression, live under a different set of laws from Jewish citizens of Israel and have no current prospects of a state of their own.

Therefore, Conference calls for full equality in voting rights and civil liberties for both Arabs and Jews in the territories occupied by Israel.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

27. North Sydney Branch
Conference urges the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party to sup¬port a two state solution to resolve the longstanding conflict between the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. We encourage the Federal Parliamen¬tary Labor Party to work towards a recognition by both the Israelis and Palestinians of two independent States, one each for those two peoples.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

28. Riverwood Branch/Green Valley Branch/Liverpool Branch/Liverpool South Branch/Barton FEC
That the leadership of the federal Labor party should speak out strongly in support of the resolution adopted at the last ALP national conference especially in asserting:
• There must be a Palestinian state;
• all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law;
• To save a two state solution settlements must be ended.
Given that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have relegated the two state solution, the next federal Labor government should join the 138 other nations which have recognised the state of Palestine.
We commend former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd and Foreign Ministers Gareth Evans and Bob Carr for putting this case.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

29. Green Valley Branch/ Liverpool Branch/Liverpool South Branch/Barton FEC
That State Conferences endorses UN Security Council Resolution 2334 which demands that Israel stop all settlement activity on occupied Palestinian land.
We endorse the Security Council resolution because it "stresses that the cessation of all Israeli settlement activities is essential for salvaging the two state solution, and calls for affirmative steps to be taken immediately to reverse the negative trends on the ground that are imperilling the two state solution."
That the federal Labor leadership should strongly put this case, in the words of the last National Conference resolution which condemned settlements as illegal under international law.
We urge the next ALP federal government commit to Australia joining the other 138 other nations that have recognised the state of Palestine.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
30. Lismore Branch
That Conference endorse the positions of former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd and former Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans that now is the time for Australia to recognise Palestine to save the two state solution.
That the leadership of the Federal Parliamentary Labor Party endorse and promote the resolution adopted at the last ALP national conference paying particular note to:
-The agreement and need for a Palestinian State;
- Recognising that the Israeli settlements are illegal under international law;
-To secure a two state solution settlements must be ended.
And,
That Conference endorse the UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (see attached) which demands that Israel stop all settlement activity on occupied Palestinian land.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

31. Manly Branch
Conference supports the former leaders of the parliamentary labour party and the current federal leader in their opposition to Israel’s forced takeover of Palestinian land in the west bank settlements.
Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
32. Greenacre Branch/Seven Hills SEC/The Entrance SEC/Rockdale Branch/Rockdale SEC
That the NSW State Conference note that:
• At least 60% of the current Israeli cabinet have expressed opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Conference also notes the continued spread of settlements on the occupied West Bank to prevent a Palestinian state.
That:
• Conference requires the next federal Labor Government to immediately recognise the State of Palestine

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

33. Granville East Park Hill Branch
This Conference notes the Israeli Government announcement in October of a further 300 illegal settlement homes in Occupied Territory. This follows decades of housing and land seizures, collective punishment, including restriction of movement, and day to day life rights by the Israeli Government.
Furthermore, it is clear that the Israeli Government does not believe in a negotiated settlement given its military might.
We urge Australia to recognise the Palestinian State and work for its accession to international bodies.
Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
34. Sydney FEC
That in view of:
• it now being 49 years since Israel occupied the Palestinian West Bank in 1967;
• the world community repeatedly endorsing a two state solution;
• the Israelis repeatedly defying international law by spreading settlements on the occupied West Bank
Conference calls the next Labor Government to immediately recognise the state of Palestine, thus joining the 136 nations that have already done so.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
35. Barton FEC
Conference welcomes the decision of the 2016 National ALP Conference to commit the next Labor Government to moving to recognise the State of Palestine.
In View of:
• The continued expansion of Israeli settlements on the West Bank;
• The continued oppression of Palestinian residents of the West Bank;
• Violence directed at Palestinians by Israeli settlers;
• Recognise of Palestine by 135 of 193 nation states; and
• The Obama Administration’s conclusion that Israel has deliberately obstructed negotiations toward a two-state solution
The next Labor Government will immediately recognise the State of Palestine.
Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
36. Seven Hills Branch
That the Australian Labor Party make an absolute commitment and send the following message to the United Nations who met on Sunday 15th January 2017. That, Australia supports United Nations endeavours to create conditions for the establishment of Palestine as a free and independent sovereign state with land and borders exclusively for them and concurrent support from the world body for them to live with dignity. Further, we stand in support of Australian Labor Party policy of a two-state solution.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
37. Barton FEC
In view of the following
• It is now approaching 50 years since Israel occupied the Palestinian West Bank in 1967;
• The Israeli government continued defiance of international law by spreading illegal settlements on the West Bank;
• The continued demolition of Palestinian homes and villages;
• Violence directed at Palestinians by Israeli settlers;
• Increased arrests and detention of Palestinian children in military detention;
• The continued siege of Gaza;
• The present Israeli government begin the most conservative in the country’s history;
• 60% of the current Israeli cabinet have expressed opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state;
• The world community repeatedly endorsing a two state solution;
• Recognition of Palestine by 137 of 193 nation’s states;
• The Obama Administration’s conclusion that Israel has deliberately obstructed negotiations towards a two state solution;
• There was no American veto of UN resolution 2334 which was upheld 14 to 1;
• The Israeli Parliament’s Reprehensible actions in enacting retroactive legislation legalizing the building of 4000 settlements on Private Palestinian land;
• Trump administration retreat from a two state solution and
• Former Prime Misters Bob Hawke, Kevin Rudd and Foreign Ministers Bob Carr and Gareth Evans endorsed the need for Australia to join the 137 other nations and recognise Palestine;
• The result from a 2017 Roy Morgan Poll show 73% of Australians want Palestine recognised as an independent state.

Therefore, the Conference recommends that:

The next Federal Labor Government will immediately recognise the State of Palestine.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

38. Brighton-le-Sands Branch
We call on the ALP at the annual conference to support a free Palestine state with no strings. We call on the party to speak out against the illegal homes built by Israel on the West Bank

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
39. Labor Israel Action Committee
Conference:
AFFIRMS Labor’s support for an enduring and just two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the right of Israel to live in peace within secure borders internationally recognised and agreed by the parties, and reflecting the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to also live in peace and security within their own state.
DEPLORES past conflicts in Gaza and supports an end to rocket attacks by Hamas and the exercise of the maximum possible restraint by Israel in response to these attacks.
SUPPORTS a negotiated settlement between the parties to the conflict, based on international frameworks, laws and norms.
RECOGNISES that for any negotiation to truly prevail Hamas must recognise Israel's right to exist and reject its current charter that calls for the murder of Jews and the elimination of Israel.
RECOGNISES that any resolution will be based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps, a timeframe to end Israeli occupation, demilitarization of Palestinian territory, agreement on a solution to Palestinian refugee issues, and resolution of the issue of Jerusalem’s final status.
REJECTS the boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
RECOGNISES a lasting peace will require a future State of Palestine to recognise the right of Israel to exist and the State of Israel to recognise the right of Palestine to exist.
RECOGNISES the special circumstances of the Palestinian people, their desire for respect, and the achievement of their legitimate aspiration to live in independence in a state of their own.
This is a cause Labor is committed to.
REJECTS unilateral actions by the Palestinians or Israelis as an impediment to peace that must be negotiated by the two sides.
REJECTS unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by third parties as an impediment to peace as it encourages both parties to seek a resolution by means other than direct negotiations with one another.
In order to build towards establishing and recognising a Palestinian state as the outcome of direct peace negotiations, Labor will support practical steps to Palestinian nation building and, ultimately, statehood. A future Labor Government will work with the parties, like-minded governments and the UN in proposing agreed timelines for negotiations to achieve this outcome.
Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
40. Green Valley Branch
That Conference endorses the view of the former Labor Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Kevin Rudd that now ls the time for Australia to recognise Palestine so to save the two state solutions. We condemn the policies of President Trump and also Prime Minister Netanyahu which threaten to smother the prospect of a Palestinian State. There can be no two state solution without the State of Palestine. There cannot be progress towards peace and security between the two peoples without a Palestinian State. We recommend that the NSW and National conference of the ALP commit the next Labor Government to joining with the other 138 nations which already recognise the State of Palestine.
Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
41. Green Valley Branch
That the leadership of the Federal ALP should speak strongly in the support of the resolution adopted at the last ALP national conference especially asserting
1. There must be a Palestinian State
2. All Israeli settlements are illegal under lnternational law
3. To save a two state solution settlements must end. Given President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have regulated the two state solution, the next ALP Federal Government should join with the 138 other nations which have recognised the State of Palestine.BMIT
4. We commend former Labor Prime Ministers Hawke and Rudd and Foreign Ministers Evans and Carr for putting this case.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

42. Enfield South Branch
That Conference:
Acknowledges the long history and friendship that exists between the Australian & Israeli Labor parties. Our fraternal relationship goes back to Ben Chifley and the ALP's role in the creation of the modern state of Israel. The ALP has always supported the long struggle of the Jewish people to achieve the right to self-determination.
Supports the position adopted by the Israeli Labor Party and moved by the leader Isaac Herzog at the beginning of 2016 seeking to resolve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians and reach a lasting peace.
Restates its' solidarity with and support for the Israeli Labor party and the democratic state of Israel.
Supports a two state solution directly negotiated between Israelis' and Palestinians that will lead to a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state.
Rejects policy that proposes to alter the ALP's commitment to a two state solution.
Rejects policy proposals that seek to have the NSW ALP pick sides in this conflict or take unilateral action. Peace will only be achieved through direct negotiations between both peoples' and we call for direct negotiations to resume. Attempts to impose solutions from on high will only lead to further conflict and bloodshed not peace.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.
43. Tumbi Umbi Branch
As a result of the deteriorating treatment of the Palestinian people in violation of international law by the state of Israel, and the general lack of progress in finding a peaceful solution, we urge the next Federal Labor Government to formally recognise a Palestinian state.

Recommendation: Refer to Item 23.

44. Tumbi Umbi Branch
Conference proposes a ban on any trips by any elected ALP official to Israel, where that person's participation on the trip is funded by either a lobby group or the Israeli Government, until such time as there is a recognised Palestinian state.
Any trip taken to Israel should at a minimum include equal time spent visiting the Occupied Territories. It is well recognised that these trips misrepresent the reality of life for many Palestinians and further ignore the repression of an already marginalised group of people.
Recommendation: Reject. Conference encourages all party members visiting the region for the purpose of understanding the conflict to spend substantial time in both Israel and Palestine.
45. Auburn Lidcombe Branch/The Entrance SEC/Greenacre Branch
That in view of revelations that members of the executive of the Australia-Israel Leadership Dialogue (AILD) are lobbyists for the Israeli arms company Elbit no ALP member be permitted to accept trips to Israel offered by the AILD until it presents an independently-audited account of its funding.
ALP MPs and Officers should not be subject to the potential embarrassment that would follow any revelation an Israeli arms company had funded their travel to Israel.
Recommendation: Reject.
46. Barton FEC
That Australia follow the lead of the European Union in insisting on labelling of any products emanating from Israeli settlements on Palestinian Land. State and Federal ALP Conferences and the last Federal Labor Government have confirmed that all such settlements are illegal under international law. No Australian companies investing in such settlements should be eligible for Australian and State Government contracts. This is in line with EU practice toward European companies that invest in Israeli settlements.
Recommendation: Reject.
47. Barton FEC
Conference notes that Palestinians in Israel’s occupied territories are denied voting rights and legal equality with Israeli citizens. Further, Conference notes that continuing refusal of Israel to agree to a Palestinian state and the continuation of settlements in occupied Palestine. As a result, Labor declares that until a Palestinian state is created all the population of so called "Greater Israel including the occupied West Bank” must enjoy equal voting and civil rights regardless of race or religion

Recommendation: Reject.

48. Mascot Branch
That NSW Labor offers its condolences to the people of the State of Israel and the family of the late Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister, President and Foreign Minister of the State of Israel.
Federal Labor and Opposition Leader Bill shorten described Shimon Peres as a 'towering figure in the 20th and 21st Centuries, with an unwavering commitment to both Israel's security, and peace in the Middle East.'
Leader of the NSW Labor Party Luke Foley commented 'Shimon Peres, more than any other political figure in Israel in recent years, kept the cause of peace alive within that society. Despite many setbacks, he remained an optimist, deeply committed to peace with the Palestinians.'
NSW Labor acknowledges the positive contribution he made to the State of Israel and the enormous effort the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate had made towards the peace process in the middle-east.

Recommendation: Support.
49. Labor Israel Action Committee
NSW Labor condemns the treatment of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) and trade union officials, activists and members within the Palestinian territories.
NSW Labor expresses profound concern at trade union offices within the Palestinian territories being shut down and occupied by the terrorist organisation Hamas and trade union officials facing multiple assassination attempts as well as being threatened at gunpoint by Hamas.
NSW Labor calls on the Palestinian Authority to support the freedom of association and allow the free and safe movement of trade union officials within the West Bank and Gaza.
NSW Labor calls on the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian trade unions to work with their Israeli equivalents and the Histadrut to further the rights of workers and together promote a peaceful, long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Recommendation: Support.