Opposition leader Peter Dutton slammed Anthony Albanese for “trying to talk out of both sides of his mouth” in drafting a motion of condolence over the October 7 massacre.
The Prime Minister opened parliament on Tuesday by tabling a motion to condemn the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, paying tribute to “every single innocent life” in the violence.
“Our government has consistently and repeatedly called for a ceasefire for the release of all hostages and the protection of all civilians,” he said.
“We remain committed to a two-state solution as a path to lasting peace, two States, Israel and Palestine, living peacefully side by side with prosperity and security for their people.”
However, Dutton accused him of introducing a motion that also recognizes the Palestinians, instead of focusing solely on the anniversary of 1,200 Israeli deaths at the hands of terrorists.
He told the House of Representatives that it was clear he could not support the motion on Tuesday morning, after meeting with Albanese.
“Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a bipartisan position regarding this matter,” he said.
“I think when you look at the details of what the Prime Minister proposed, it becomes clearer why the coalition cannot support this motion in the House at this time.
“This government has tried to walk both sides of the street… The Prime Minister should be condemned.”
Dutton said the motion goes beyond what should be a tribute to the 1,200 Israelis who died on October 7.
He continued: “That’s what this motion was about, but of course the Prime Minister is trying to talk out of both sides of his mouth, and that’s not something we will support in relation to this debate.”
More to come