Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is likely to be out of a job tomorrow after a leadership challenge by deputy Julia Gillard. Apart from most political journalists getting all excited about the prospect of instability and a new game in Canberra, can somebody please ask Gillard what she really thinks about refugees, the environment and…
Showing all posts tagged Australia
Stop the internet filter forum in Sydney
For any Sydneysiders: 6pm Wednesday 7th July Gaelic Club, 1/64 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Join Greens Senator Scott Ludlam, journalist Antony Loewenstein and Lee Rhiannon to discuss internet censorship issues. Communications Minister has announced plans to introduce an internet filter which will restrict Australians’ access to the internet and establish a system for widespread government…
Don’t step out of line on Israel or an irrelevant Australian MP will slam you
Australian NGO APHEDA is the aid arm of the country’s largest union, the ACTU. It has a history of speaking strongly against Israeli aggression and this will only continue in the coming months. So when the APHEDA head recently called for the Israeli siege on Gaza to be lifted, it was almost inevitable that a…
Australia’s Israel lobby are like little sheep
The role of religious lobbies in Australia isn’t new (witness the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader last night trying to impress the Christian lobby and its mates across the country, saying things about gay marriage, climate change and refugees). There needs to be far more sunlight into the relations between governments and lobby groups. Who…
How many Diaspora Jews are fighting in the IDF?
Non-Israeli Jews signing up for the Israeli army brings a multitude of potential problems, not least the rules of engagement by foreigners fighting in a rabble army and managing an illegal occupation on Palestinian land. How many Australians have signed up? An investigation that must come soon: It used to be the kibbutz and its…
With Irwin gone, Australian parliament is totally pro-Israel
One of the Australian parliamentarians brave enough to actually understand Palestinian rights is departing Labor MP Julie Irwin. In a completely ignored farewell speech this week, Irwin discussed “Israeli propaganda” after the Gaza flotilla massacre. She demanded the Jewish state accept international law or face isolation. Note the Labor minister Craig Emerson’s shameful disassociation on…
Memo to Australian TV: Tony Blair is loathed everywhere
The Independent editorialises with appropriate contempt for a man Australian television still regards with respect: Tony Blair… whose period as Quartet envoy has been notable for its failure to achieve anything of real substance, especially regarding Gaza.
Answering 20 questions for New Matilda
Here it is: Antony Loewenstein has been writing for newmatilda.com about the Middle East since the beginning. He lobs 20 Questions back our way Antony Loewenstein started writing for newmatilda.com pretty much at the beginning and has been a regular contributor on the Middle East since. His articles, particularly on Israel-Palestine, have provoked heated debate…
Turning off the web
As we learn that the Australian government is trying to force web companies to store the history of internet users, America is considering going down a path that is almost inevitable. Being able to harness the internet, a medium that loves to give the finger to regulation (hello Wikileaks), frustrates those who want to control…
Christian Zionists down under come out for Tel Aviv
A pro-Israel rally took place in Sydney this week to bring together those who wanted to show their love and affection for the Jewish state. Go Israel: