At least one Labor MP has boycotted a parliamentary motion commemorating Israel's 60th anniversary, The Australian reported on Wednesday.
According to the Sydney-based daily, Labor MP Julia Irwin, a "frequent critic of Israel’s conduct in the Israel-Palestine dispute," boycotted the motion commemorating Israel’s founding and the role Australia played in it by absenting herself from the chamber. A spokeswoman for Irwin’s office confirmed her absence was a deliberate act of protest, the report said.
The motion, according to The Australian, reiterated the country's support of Israel and its commitment to finding a two-state solution to the long-running dispute, and congratulated Israel on its achievements.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd was quoted by The Australian as saying “over the past 60 years Israel has preserved its robust parliamentary democracy built a vibrant society and economy.”
“If anyone wants a dictionary definition of the term robust they should spend an afternoon in the Israeli Knesset. That’s where you see the definition of robust at work. By contrast, we’re a pack of pussycats in here.”