Greens leader Adam Bandt has accused the Prime Minister of using pro-Palestine protests as a distraction from the government’s alleged support of the war in Gaza.
Greens Leader Adam Bandt held a media conference and read a statement outlining threats to sue Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus for defamation over comments made about the political party’s involvement in pro-Palestine protests.
Mr Dreyfus is alleged to have made defamatory claims during a Wednesday afternoon appearance on the ABC where he directed his anger over pro-Palestine protests towards Mr Bandt and the Greens.
Mr Bandt refused to take questions on the issue.
Mr Bandt said at a press conference on Thursday the Prime Minister was trying to “distract” voters from Labor’s “support for the invasion of Gaza”.
“We’re seeing an attempt by the Prime Minister to distract from Labor’s support for the ongoing invasion and slaughter in Gaza,” the Greens leader said.
He also pointed to Labor’s “refusal to take any meaningful action to bring pressure to bear on the extreme war cabinet of Benjamin Netanyahu”.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said Labor is trying to distract the public from their support of Israel. Picture: Sky News Australia
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused the Greens on Wednesday of having endorsed pro-Palestine protesters who have used “intimidation tactics” and “inflamed tensions”.
“Misinformation (was) consciously and deliberately spread by some Greens members that have been engaged in demonstration outside offices,” Mr Albanese said in parliament.
The Prime Minister received rare support from Opposition Leader Peter Dutton who piled on the Greens and said the minor party had become involved in “rising antisemitism”.
“The offices of elected members of Parliament have been targeted with red paint with vile messages of hate… and the Greens should condemn it instead of condoning it,” Mr Dutton said.
The front office of Labor MP Bill Shorten was vandalised by pro-Palestine protesters last month. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele
It is understood the politicians were referring to pro-Palestine vandals who had graffitied electorate offices and a consulate in Melbourne.
There were also reportedly Greens politicians involved in a demonstration which stormed into the Victorian Labor conference and shut down the event in May.
In response, Mr Bandt said: “I will not be lectured to about peace and non-violence from a Prime Minister and Opposition Leader who back the invasion of Gaza.”
He added that his party had been “crystal clear” in communicating to protesters “that there should not be vandalism or similar”.
“What we are expressing support for is peaceful protests across the country (and) calling for the government to do something to bring pressure to bear on this extreme Israeli war cabinet,” he said.
“It is up to governments like Labor to then step up and act and say we will do things to put pressure to bear to stop a war crime happening.
“And Labor has not done that. Labor has continued to give its backing to this invasion day after day.”
The government and Coalition have united to condemn the Greens’ involvement in pro-Palestinian protests.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have accused the party of inflaming tensions of social cohesion.
Pro-Palestinian protesters targeted MP electorate offices, including the Prime Minister’s own office in Sydney.
Greens leader Adam Bandt rejected claims of antisemitism, calling for the end of direct and indirect military trade with Israel.
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The Albanese government has repeatedly called for a ceasefire proposal, both at the United Nations and through diplomatic ties.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Tuesday: “The human suffering in Gaza is unacceptable. This war must end.”
“Australia repeats our support for President Biden’s ceasefire proposal and we are pleased to see growing international support, including from G7 leaders.”
“Australia is working with countries that support peace to press all parties to agree to the terms immediately.”