From 51m agoKey events23m agoPenny Wong denounces Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah51m agoPM announces engagement1h agoIsrael’s plans for Rafah ground offensive ‘unfathomable’, Ed Husic says2h agoAustralia has granted two defence export permits to Israel since 7 October2h agoGood morning3h ago127,000 homes and businesses still without power in Victoria3h agoTelcos on notice over scam texts3h agoWelcomeFilters BETAKey events (9)Australia (11)Israel (8)ABC (5)US (4)Rafah (4)2m ago17.39 EST
Coalition senator Simon Birmingham asks for clarity on what limits the Australian government is seeking, or caveats it has in mind, when it tells Israel regarding Rafah: “do not go down this path”.
The foreign minister, Penny Wong, says Australia is reflecting the concerns of many in the international community. Wong reads out stark and similar quotes from Australia’s closest allies and partners including the US, the UK and Germany.
Birmingham wants to know whether Australia is calling for no military activities in Rafah, or adopting the Joe Biden formulation of urging Israel to not proceed unless credible plans are presented to protect civilians.
Wong says her comments are “consistent with the principles of international law and international humanitarian law”. She says she intends to be “careful” in her language, given her position as foreign minister. Wong says she does not believe the international community has yet seen a credible and executable plan to protect more than one million civilians in Rafah.
Birmingham refers to the recent rescue of two hostages by Israel in Rafah and asks:
How does your statement sit or do you wish to have it viewed in relation to operations or activities to secure the release of hostages who are still held by Hamas?
Wong replies:
We have been calling for the release of hostages since the commencement of this conflict.
The government reiterates that it does not believe there is any place for Hamas in the governance of Gaza after the conflict.
5m ago17.36 EST
The unemployment figures for January will be released today.
The ABS will send out its report at 11.30 (AEDT)
Most economists expect the unemployment figure to rise, and continue to rise over 2024.
6m ago17.34 EST
The Department of Education has revised its hospitality policy following revelations public servants were spending taxpayer money to hold meetings in fine dining restaurants, including a bill exceeding $1,200 in one hat restaurant Courgette.
The expenditures, first revealed in questions on notice from a budget estimates hearing and later publicised by the Daily Telegraph, totalled $172,691 on events and catering in the first half of last year and $118,404 on accommodation and travel costs.
Shadow minister for education senator Sarah Henderson told senate estimates holding meetings in restaurants was a “complete rot of taxpayers money” and should take place with “tea and a biscuit”.
Secretary of the…
2024-02-14 17:18:06
Post from www.theguardian.com