The State Secretary of the Victorian Branch of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) Tony Mavromatis has come out in support of Gareth Evan’s call for recognition of Palestinian statehood, sanctions on the Netanyahu Government, increasing of humanitarian aid, and for a genuine ceasefire in Gaza.
The AMWU known for its support for Palestine, through its State Secretary Tony Mavromatis stated that:
“Our union has been a strong advocator for Australia to recognise a Palestinian State and ending the occupation of Palestine by Israel for years. As a spokesman for our members, we see recognition as the only way for the Israeli government to take the 2-state solution seriously.
Now that the Albanese Labor Government has been re-elected with a large majority, it is the opportune time to take a bold stand on this and other issues. We just came out of a highly contested election where the Palestinian issue featured prominently. My members see the result as an endorsement of Labor’s policy on Palestine which calls for recognition before a solution is reached.
As a union that has been active and vocal on Palestine, we lend our support to all those within the Labor caucus and movement to urge the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister to announce Australia’s recognition of Palestinian Statehood at next month’s UN high-level conference co-hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
In terms of sanctions, AMWU members are of the view that if individuals, companies and institutions are guilty of human rights violations in Gaza and the West Bank, then Australia should impose bans and embargoes on them. Those convicted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes should be issued with arrest warrants by the Australian authorities.
The AMWU also supports those Israelis who are protesting against the Netanyahu Government and are calling for an end to the war and the restoration of peace, justice and safety to all the peoples of the region.
The Australian Labor Government needs to persist with calling for the immediate and genuine ceasefire in Gaza, an end of encroachment by Israeli settlers, militia and military into the West Bank, the full re-instatement and increase of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank, including the continued stabilization of UNWRA, and respect for international law and human rights.”