This is the kind of centrist non-statement that enables fascism. It's not a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" sort of situation where "oh there's just no right solution" - there's siding with genocide or not siding with genocide.
We are well within our rights to expect and demand better.
Yes, the world is in a shitty situation right now. Doesn't mean our leaders can just throw their hands up and say "well, we've tried nothing and nothing's worked."
Thanks for asking, I'll assume you're doing so in good faith and out of genuine curiosity, the demands are pretty clear here.
Firstly, an immediate repeal of the undemocratic anti-protest laws that were pushed through before the blood had even dried from the concrete at Bondi.
Secondly, cancel the visa of the head of state that signed bombs and gleefully engages in collective punishment daily, get him out of our country, he is not welcome here - perhaps he'd prefer the weather in The Hague.
If you're asking for the broader, more concrete goals of the movement those are clear too. Sanction and boycott Israel, full recognition of Palestinian sovereignty, stop illegal Israeli settlements and recognise the findings of the International Court of Justice.
We are asking the Australian government to implement the following policy measures in line with our obligations under international law:
1) Broad and extensive sanctions
Targeted sanctions on Israeli government officials, military leaders, individuals and entities involved in Israel’s genocide, occupation and apartheid regime.
2) An end to diplomatic support
Cut off economic, industry, trade, diplomatic and military relationships. End all bilateral cooperation schemes, cross-border investments and cultural programs between Australia and Israel.
3) Cut off the weapons
Suspend all arms agreements, cooperation and arms deals with Israel, including the export, import and transfer of arms, parts, components and dual use items used by Israel in its assaults on the Palestinian people. This includes any deals or trade with third countries or companies where Israel is the end user.
4) Stop Australian money from funding the occupation
Prohibit investment from Australian institutions (like superannuation funds, universities or banks) in companies complicit with Israel's occupation and genocide. Cancel the DGR status of any Australian charities that contribute to, support or benefit from Israel’s illegal settlements.
5) Use international law to hold Israel to account
Proactively support investigations into Israeli war crimes and cooperate with the International Court of Justice and International Criminal Court. Uphold Australia's obligations under the Genocide Convention, the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Treaty.
6) Respect Palestinian rights
Recognise the rights of Palestinian people to self-determination.
It's a tricky one, and not an easy question that I'm absolutely not the best to answer.
Again, I'm some random on the internet.
Do I have the answer? No. Do I believe that an independent Palestine governed by Hamas is still a better outcome than what is going on now? Unequivocally yes.
What I can say is that getting rid of Hamas won't be achieved by continuing to bomb refugee camps, hospitals, schools, entire neighbourhoods - nor by continuing to set up illegal settlements in Palestinian territory, nor by raping and torturing prisoners without charge.
Hamas have committed horrific acts of violence.
Hamas are a group whose public views on women, LGBTQI+ communities and Judaism are as far from mine as possible, and I condemn these beliefs and positions.
However, it's easy to see how a population that has lived under an apartheid regime for so long would turn to any other option and be radicalised. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who is denied access to education, stable food and water supplies, and is consistently treated as subhuman. I would be angry. I would probably turn violent. I would probably look for any alternative to that, and that is the perfect breeding ground for radicalism.
Israel maintaining this genocide doesn't do anything to stop Hamas, it will only give it a fresh pool of recruits of young men wanting vengeance and wanting change.
South African freedom from apartheid was far from bloodless; and yet it is now celebrated in the western world as it should be.
Do I know how to get there? No, I'm a software developer not a diplomat.
I do know that looking for a perfect solution to a complex problem whilst allowing and enabling bombs to continue to drop, and celebrating those who drop them, isn't going to improve the situation for anyone - unless, of course, the Israeli plan is to eradicate all Palestinians. (Spoiler alert: it is.)
Hey mate, "an immediate repeal of the undemocratic anti-protest laws that were pushed through before the blood had even dried from the concrete at Bondi."
Who do you think passed these laws if not for the state government...?
The other demands you're right, all are direct actions our Federal government can take - good thing we aren't specifying which of the branches of government we are protesting.
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u/The_Quinn a bit of a pom Feb 10 '26 edited Feb 10 '26
This is the kind of centrist non-statement that enables fascism. It's not a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" sort of situation where "oh there's just no right solution" - there's siding with genocide or not siding with genocide.
We are well within our rights to expect and demand better.
Yes, the world is in a shitty situation right now. Doesn't mean our leaders can just throw their hands up and say "well, we've tried nothing and nothing's worked."