23 March, 2011
The Senate has today supported a motion proposed by Senator Mitch Fifield denouncing Marrickville Council’s boycott of Israel.
The motion acknowledged Israel as legitimate, democratic and a good friend of Australia.
It also denounced the Israel boycott by Marrickville Council and condemned any attempts to expand the boycott.
“I’m pleased that the Senate has passed this very important motion,” Senator Fifield said.
“We must send a message in the strongest possible terms to our friends in Israel that Marrickville Council’s extreme view is not supported by the majority of Australians.”
“It is important that Members of Parliament take a stand against this campaign to delegitimise Israel.”
Although the Senate did not formally divide on the issue, the Greens indicated their opposition to the motion.
“It is extremely disappointing that the Australian Greens have refused to denounce their counterparts in Marrickville Council,” Senator Fifield said.
“If the Greens want to be taken seriously as a mainstream political force they cannot turn a blind eye to the actions of their Marrickville Council colleagues.”