As global momentum builds for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has signalled Australia will not be rushed into making a formal declaration — not even ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in September.
In a revealing interview with ABC’s 7.30 host Sarah Ferguson, the Prime Minister made clear that while his government supports a two-state solution, recognition of Palestine will be driven by outcomes, not deadlines. “We won’t be driven by a time frame,” Albanese said.
“What we’ll be driven by is when the recognition of Palestine can make a contribution to the creation of two states that is very much our focus.”
This statement aligns with the Albanese government’s cautious diplomacy in the Middle East, as Australia seeks to balance its long-standing support for Israel with growing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
While the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada under Mark Carney have announced conditional pathways to Palestinian recognition, Australia has stopped short of such a commitment. Albanese insisted any recognition must be meaningful and contribute to lasting peace. “It’s a statement you can only make once,” he explained.
“once you make that declaration, you lose your capacity to negotiate and to influence outcomes to some extent.”
Ferguson pressed the Prime Minister repeatedly on what specific changes were required for Australia to join the likes of France, Canada and the UK in taking a firmer stance.
Albanese cited recent developments — notably the Palestinian Authority’s 10 June statement recognising Israel, pledging democratic elections within a year of statehood, and explicitly excluding Hamas from governance — as important steps forward.
Unlike Canada, whose recognition is conditional on those same stipulations being met, Albanese made clear that Australia is not yet ready to set recognition in motion, even on those terms.
Throughout the interview, the Prime Minister reinforced the notion that Palestinian self-determination must be paired with guaranteed security for Israel. “You can’t advance the cause of Palestinian self-determination without also advancing the need for Israel to have security,” he said, pointing to the need for a demilitarised Gaza and West Bank and regional recognition of Israel’s right to exist.
He also welcomed the role of Arab nations in recent diplomatic efforts, following a conference in New York, and stressed the importance of the United States in shaping a broader regional peace plan. “Clearly the United States has a role to play here,” he noted.
“We’ll make our own decisions.”
The interview also touched on the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, with Ferguson asking whether the Israeli government’s actions, particularly the restriction of aid, amounted to using starvation as a weapon of war.
Albanese reiterated that while Israel has the right to defend itself, “how it defends itself matters”:
“Australians want to see is two things they want to see, the killing stop, whether it be Israelis or Palestinians who are innocent losing their lives.”
He also revealed that Australia remains prepared to offer more humanitarian assistance to Gaza, stressing that current methods, such as airdrops, are insufficient, and that full access must be opened for aid delivery.
As the UN Assembly approaches, Australia remains on the sidelines of the growing list of countries committing to recognise Palestine. Yet, Albanese’s position is clear: when and if Australia recognises a Palestinian state, it will be on its own terms and only if it truly advances the cause of peace.
“We’ll make a decision at an appropriate time if we believe that making that decision advances the objective, which is the creation of a two state solution.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
