'How long is it going to take?' Demoted Labor backbencher Ed Husic grills Anthony Albanese on Labor recognising Palestinian state

Sky News AU

2 days ago

A Labor backbencher has questioned Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's timeline for recognising Palestinian statehood during a meeting of the caucus in Canberra.
Sky News understands Ed Husic, who was dumped from the ministry shortly after the election, took to his feet during Labor's caucus meeting on Tuesday morning to ask the Prime Minister 'how long is it going to take?' to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
Raising the matter in the caucus room indicates rising internal pressure on the Albanese government to consider fast-tracking Palestinian recognition, rather than waiting until later in the peace process.
In response to Mr Husic's question, Mr Albanese referred the caucus to his comments in Question Time on Monday, in which he noted 'recognition of a Palestinian state by Australia might occur before the finalisation of a peace process'.
The Prime Minister told caucus there needs to be 'democratisation' in Gaza, also referencing the 'abominable actions' of Hamas.
He cited a quote often attributed to Nelson Mandela, noting that 'things may seem impossible until they happen'.
About 147 countries already recognise Palestinian independence.
Later this year, French President Emmanuel Macron will use a speech at the United Nations to recognise a Palestinian state.
Since his demotion to the backbench, Mr Husic has indicated he will continue to speak publicly about Palestinian statehood.
Speaking to Sky News on Monday, Mr Husic argued recognition cannot wait any longer.
'I understand the logic that's been expressed by our government that said it should be part of a process, but the reality is that events have changed,' the former Industry Minister told Newsday.
'We should be making that case and saying we are prepared to recognise that now'.
Also in response to Mr Husic's question, Mr Albanese told caucus Israel's claims that starvation is not occurring in Gaza, telling caucus such suggestions are 'beyond comprehension'.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump told reporters on a visit to Scotland that there is 'real starvation' taking place in Gaza.
On Monday night, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared a video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), claiming 'there is no starvation in Gaza, no policy of starvation in Gaza, and I assure you that we have a commitment to achieve our war goals'.
Israel's Deputy Ambassador to Australia, Amir Meron, also claimed there is no starvation in Gaza during a briefing with journalists.
Caucus meetings provide backbenchers an opportunity to ask questions of senior ministers on whatever subject they choose.