As Australians hear the repetitive, carefully scripted announcements of the two major parties, voters are turning away from the blatant bribery of millions of dollars for marginal electorates and personal promises of tax cuts and cheaper petrol.

Many voters are disenchanted, even disgusted, with the narrow agenda of the 2025 federal election as the two major party leaders compete with each other announcing their extravagant promises. Yet, there is no vision for much needed reform in so many areas where Australia needs to prepare for its own future and place in an uncertain world.

Where are the statements of humanity to recognise the vulnerable in our own society, as well as those suffering starvation , deprivation and war? The two major party leaders continue to ignore the atrocities in Gaza when they both should be asserting the primacy of international law and their humanitarian responsibility. While the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and a majority of nations have condemned Israel’s genocide, Australian leaders have refused to face their own obligation to respond as a country which officially became a signatory to the Genocide Convention on 12 January 1951. It was formally incorporated into Australian law in 2002 when amendments were made to the Criminal Code Act 1995, making genocide a criminal offence under Australian domestic law.

Only the Greens Party and a number of independent parliamentarians and candidates have had the courage to publicly recognise that both the Australian Government and the Opposition have failed to act against genocide in Gaza. As we approach the final week of the federal election campaign, voters are searching for leadership that articulates traditional Australian values to speak out against injustice and act according to our own legal framework.

Just as thousands of Australians have joined weekly protests demanding a ceasefire in Palestine, thousands will vote to demand that an Australian Government must become a strong and vocal advocate for humanity. Sanctions and the recall of our Australian ambassador to Israel should have occurred months ago. It is a national disgrace that this international crisis does not rate any mention in the current election campaign while the Israel Defence Force continues its attacks on the civilian population of Gaza.

“Australians for Humanity" has campaigned to alert all voters to the importance of their vote in holding unprincipled politicians to account for their failure to recognise and support Palestine. On 28 April, this group will host a national webinar “Vote for Humanity -Caring for Palestine“ to remind Australians that human rights matter. Respected journalist Mary Kostakadis will host the event with guest speaker Professor Peter Slezak, researcher in history and the philosophy of science, who has provided a strong public voice for the rights of Palestinian people. This webinar includes the launch of a “Pearls and Irritations“ special publication titled Israel: Palestine Pushed Beyond Endurance.

The e-book is a unique collection of articles written by a diverse range of Australian and international commentators with expertise in Palestine history, diplomacy and international law. It documents the illegal occupation of Gaza and war crimes committed against the Palestinian people. This book contains a selection from thousands of articles published by Pearls and Irritations since 2013 so it details the devastating moments in time when the world has witnessed systematic killing of more than 60,000 civilians and the destruction of their communities. Israel’s total disregard for international humanitarian law is unparalleled and seriously undermines the progress made by the United Nations since World War II to set standards for protecting civilians in global conflict. This significant Australian publication details events and analysis which provides context and perspective on a tragedy that could have been averted had international protocols prevailed.

It is essential reading for all parliamentarians because they should be so much better informed about their responsibilities to respond to this crisis, particularly when two major Australian allies, the United States and Israel, have obligations to act in accordance with international law. This Pearls and Irritations publication will contribute to a more considered community debate about how Australia’s foreign and defence policies need to be independent in reflecting the priorities of our multicultural community and ensuring our diplomacy is unbiased.

Australians for Humanity advocates voting for parliamentarians and candidates who show genuine commitment to humanity and the rule of law as enshrined in United Nations standards put in place after World War II. Australians expect their elected representatives to be well briefed and even-handed in their assessment of complex international crises and they certainly need to demand the next federal government redirect its moral compass to stop genocide in Gaza.

Join Australians for Humanity in a public webinar on Monday 28 April at 7:00 PM AEST 

Vote for humanity: Caring for Palestine

Chaired by Mary Kostakidis with margaret Ryenolds, Stuart Rees and guest speaker Peter Slezak

Register to join this Zoom webinar from the comfort of your home.