On 8 March 2024, I will join a delegation to the middle east with several Parliamentary colleagues. I will return on 15 March 2024.
The program will include a series of high-level briefings focusing on the events of October 7 2023 and the subsequent conflict in the region.
The delegation will meet with senior political figures, journalists, academics, and community leaders.
The trip will highlight the affected areas in the region, and include meetings with families of hostages, victims, first responders and the Palestinian Authority.
I completely appreciate the very complex situation in this part of the world, and I am under no illusion as to the difficult scene we will arrive to see, the horrific stories that will be recounted and the many impacts being felt.
The Australian Parliament, in a bipartisan statement, made clear our support for Israel’s right to self-defence, as well as the need for Israel to act with regard to international law. This remains the position of the Coalition.
I am hopeful that this delegation will give a greater understanding to Australian decision makers on the impacts in the region, the state of the conflict, humanitarian efforts and the role of Australia on the international stage
