Australia has used its national statement at the United Nations General Assembly in New York to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, recognition of Palestine, and stronger collective action to defend peace, security and human dignity.
“Eighty years ago, the people of our nations came together and put their trust in each other’s humanity,” the Australian leader told delegates on Wednesday.
“Out of the grief and ruin of war, that generation found the courage, the wisdom and the compassion to work together for a better peace.”
Reaffirming support for the United Nations, Australia argued that the institution’s strength lies in inclusivity.
“The reason this institution has endured is because it belongs to all of us. And it is up to all of us to bring new strength to the United Nations’ enduring mission.”
The speech announced two key foreign policy steps: a bid for a UN Security Council seat in 2029–30 and a joint Pacific-hosted COP31 climate summit. It also underscored Australia’s climate commitments.
“We will meet our 2030 target of 43 per cent emissions reduction on 2005 levels. And last week we set our target for 2035: cutting emissions by 62 to 70 per cent.”
In a hard-hitting message, Australia condemned authoritarian regimes, cyber-enabled threats, terrorism and antisemitism. “Just last month, Australian security agencies confirmed that the Iranian regime orchestrated the firebombing of a synagogue in Melbourne and a Jewish restaurant in Sydney.”
“We expelled the Iranian Ambassador… and here at the United Nations we repeat to the world, there is no place for antisemitism.”
Turning to global conflicts, the statement delivered Australia’s clearest stance yet on the Middle East.
“Australia is calling for a ceasefire. For the immediate release of the hostages. For aid to flow to those in desperate need. And for the terrorists of Hamas to have no role in Gaza’s future. And this week, Australia recognised the State of Palestine.”
On Ukraine, Australia pledged continued solidarity. “We stand with the courageous people of Ukraine in their struggle against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.”
Climate change, women’s rights, and Indigenous knowledge were also emphasised as pillars of Australia’s global engagement. Citing pioneering Australian Jessie Street’s role in 1945, the speech reaffirmed a long-standing commitment to gender equality:
“Where the rules are silent, women are not usually considered.”
The statement closed with a call for renewed international cooperation.
“More than ever, we must choose to succeed together rather than risk failing alone. More than ever, we must work to build a future true to the United Nations’ noble purpose and worthy of our people’s greatest qualities.”
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