Victorian Labor members have voted to immediately recognise Palestine, increasing pressure on the Albanese government to follow Canada, France and the UK in supporting a sovereign Palestinian state. The motion, brought by Labor Friends of Palestine, also calls for sanctions on all members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet and an end to military trade with Israel.
The vote took place at Labor’s state conference on Saturday, where rank-and-file members also carried an urgent resolution to review the Aukus submarine deal, though its wording was softened before passage. The motions are non-binding but represent a key mechanism for members to influence party policy.
Oliver van Ingen, Victorian convener of Labor Friends of Palestine, described the measures as “appropriate, effective steps that Australia can take to contribute to peace in the Middle East”. Tony Piccolo of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union seconded the motion, stating: “Apartheid is never right, no matter who the perpetrators are.”
Attempts to amend the motion, including from Labor Friends of Israel and former Albanese adviser Dean Sherr, failed. Nick Dyrenfurth of Labor Friends of Israel argued it was “impractical to recognise a Palestinian state at this juncture” and criticised “one-sided extreme motions”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has so far stopped short of matching UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promise to recognise Palestine. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, the most senior figure at the conference, faced a lukewarm reception, with some delegates displaying Palestinian flags on their phones during his speech.
Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue but were unable to enter due to tighter security. The conference also passed motions to increase aid and protect civil liberties, including the right to protest.
