Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has criticized Anthony Albanese for “trying to speak with both sides of his mouth” in the words of a condolence motion for the October 7 massacre.
The prime minister opened parliament on Tuesday by speaking out on a motion to condemn Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, paying tribute to “every innocent life” in the violence.
“Our government has consistently and repeatedly called for a ceasefire for the release of all hostages and for the protection of all civilians,” he said.
“We remain committed to a two-state solution as a path to lasting peace, where two states, Israel and Palestine, live peacefully side by side with prosperity and security for their people.”
However, Mr Dutton accused him of introducing a motion that would also recognize Palestinians, rather than focusing solely on the anniversary of the 1,200 Israeli terrorist deaths.
He told the House of Representatives on Tuesday morning that it was clear he could not support the motion after meeting Mr Albanese.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a bipartisan position on this issue,” he said.
“I think if you look deeper into what the Prime Minister has proposed, it becomes clearer why the Coalition cannot currently support this motion in the House of Representatives.
“This government has tried to walk both sides of the street… The prime minister must be convicted.”
Mr Dutton said the motion goes beyond what should be a tribute to the 1,200 Israelis killed on October 7.
He continued: ‘That is what this motion should be about, but of course the Prime Minister is trying to speak out of both sides of his mouth and that is not something we will support in relation to this debate.’
There’s more to come