Senate confusion leaves BDS cold

IN what may be classified as one of the most confusing parliamentary exchanges ever, last Wednesday a motion was passed by Senator Eric Abetz in opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

The motion criticised the BDS movement and denounced the support of some ALP members and trade unions for the policy.

The matter was immediately opposed by Labor Senator Joe Ludwig on the basis that it was longstanding practice the Senate did not deal with matters of foreign affairs. Senator Abetz hit back, saying it was a “lame excuse”.

But Senator Ludwig added: “The Government does not support boycotts that impede legitimate trade between states and has expressed its strong opposition to the Marrickville Council’s earlier proposed boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel.”

Independent Senator Nick Xenophon then chimed in saying he opposed BDS but wanted to make an amendment to Senator Abetz’s motion to recognise the effect of the Israeli blockade on Gazans.

Senator Abetz rebutted, arguing the Independent should also note the blockade is being enforced by Egypt.

Senator Xenophon then amended his amendment, saying it was “remiss of me not to include the Egyptian blockade. I do not have the expertise that Senator Abetz clearly has in foreign affairs. I think it is a fair point.”

Senator Ludwig’s Labor Party colleague, foreign affairs doyen Senator Michael Forshaw, then added his two cents’ worth. “I am totally opposed to the BDS. I have been on the record on that and my position is absolutely clear,” Senator Forshaw said.

But he added he would not support Senator Abetz’s motion because it was “simply a political stunt”.

The next contributor to the motion, which at this point had still not been voted on, was the Greens leader. Senator Brown tried to bring the discussion back to the “unhealed sore of the disputes, the violence, the continuing death toll and the harrowing circumstances of people living in Palestine and in Israel”.

In an example of clumsy Senate procedure, Senator Abetz’s motion with Senator Xenophon’s original amendment – the one that did not mention Egypt – was voted on and passed.

NAOMI LEVIN