BREAKING: Former opposition leader Jeremy Hanson has been ruled out of order for calling the ACT Greens “anti-Semitic” during a heated debate in the Legislative Assembly. This urgent development marks a significant moment in the political discourse surrounding human rights and Israel-Palestine relations.
The incident occurred earlier today when Hanson condemned a petition, presented by Greens member Andrew Braddock, which garnered over 1,300 signatures. The petition calls for the ACT government to divest from companies linked to alleged human rights violations in Palestine. In response to the petition, Hanson stated, “I condemn the anti-Semitic Greens,” prompting immediate backlash from fellow lawmakers.
During the session, Speaker Mark Parton intervened, declaring Hanson’s remarks offensive and disorderly. “I have looked at precedents in our chamber… and I rule that the words used were offensive and disorderly,” Parton announced after a lunch recess. He emphasized the need for decorum, citing past rulings that deemed similar terminology unacceptable.
In a dramatic exchange, Greens leader Shane Rattenbury challenged Hanson’s comments, arguing that it is not anti-Semitic to call for an end to genocide. Rattenbury highlighted that many in the Jewish community in Canberra oppose genocide and support the petition’s goals. “Mr Hanson’s commentary was blind to those Jews in Canberra who oppose genocide,” he stated.
Braddock, the petition’s sponsor, reiterated that the ACT must honor its obligations under both international law and local legislation. The petition not only demands divestment but also proposes annual compliance reporting and an independent inquiry into government investments related to human rights violations.
The atmosphere was tense as the Assembly discussed the implications of further scrutiny on the ACT government’s investments. “The difficulty of doing so does not make that obligation disappear,” Braddock emphasized, calling for decisive action.
This ruling comes on the heels of a previous Assembly vote in February 2024, where Labor and the Greens supported a review of investments tied to companies linked to Israeli settlements in occupied territories. The government’s response indicated concerns about the broader impact of divestment on its investment strategies.
As the political landscape shifts, all eyes will be on the ACT Assembly as future discussions unfold regarding human rights and the government’s fiscal policies. This developing story underscores the complex interplay between local politics and global issues, resonating deeply with constituents and beyond.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical debate as it continues to evolve.
