22 March, 2011
The Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Chris Evans, has today refused to condemn Marrickville Council’s boycott of Israel.
Senator Evans refused to speak out against Marrickville Council’s anti-Israel stance when asked to do so by Senator Mitch Fifield during Senate Question time today.
“The Labor Government’s refusal to condemn Marrickville Council’s anti-Israel boycott is shameful,” Senator Fifield said.
“Israel is a legitimate state and a good friend of Australia.”
“That the Government is not willing to stand up to intolerance and hatred of Israel is a sad indictment on Labor’s support for Israel.”
Marrickville Council voted last year to implement a ‘Global Boycott Divestments and Sanctions’ campaign, which boycotts any goods produced in Israel, bans any links with Israeli organisations or organisations that support Israel and prohibits any academic, government, sporting or cultural exchanges with Israel.
“The implementation of the GBDS by the Greens-controlled Marrickville Council displays disturbing hostility towards a friendly nation.”
“This is part of a campaign to delegitimise Israel,” Senator Fifield said.
“Yet the Government has failed to condemn the Marrickville Council’s anti-Israel boycott.”
“Senator Evans also refused to condemn Senator Brown for his failure to denounce Marrickville Mayor and Greens candidate Ms Fiona Byrne’s intention to have the boycott extended across NSW,” Senator Fifield said.
“This Government must have the courage of its convictions to stand up to these extremist views.”