Part 5/7:
Labor’s Historical Commitment and Australia’s Limited Role
The discussion touches on Australia’s role in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Richo acknowledges that Australia’s influence on the Israeli-Palestinian issue is minimal due to its geographical and political position—being a relatively small power far from the region. Nonetheless, he stresses that maintaining principled stands on such matters is vital for Australia’s international credibility and moral leadership.
He emphasizes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s commitment to a two-state solution and suggests that standing firm on principle is essential, even if Australia’s direct influence is limited. “We have to stand onprinciple,” he affirms, indicating that moral clarity trumped political expediency.