The presence of the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team in the forthcoming Tour Down Under is illegal under international law. The Australian Friends of Palestine Association is calling on government and private entities to prohibit the unlawful participation of the Israeli team in the event.
I am writing as a member of the Executive Committee of the Australian Friends of Palestine Association.
I refer to Paul Heywood-Smith’s article Will Australia act on Israel team’s participation in Tour Down Under? published on 28 December 2024 in Pearls & Irritations.
Heywood-Smith drew attention to the fact that various government and private entities had been approached to proscribe Israel-Premier Tech from competing in the forthcoming SANTOS Tour Down Under commencing in South Australia on 17 January. He called upon those entities “to declare whether they intend to take action to prevent this proposed illegality – why?”
I have checked with the editor of Pearls &Irritations and can advise that as of 8 January no responses have been received by this publication.
Concurrently, AFOPA wrote to a number of parties including the minister of foreign affairs, the minister for home affairs, the federal minister for sport, the South Australian premier, the federal and SA attorneys-general, the SA minister for tourism, the SA minister for recreation, sport and aacing, the TDU race director, TDU sponsor SANTOS, and the SA police commissioner, informing each of the illegality in international law of the presence of the Israel-Premier Tech cycling team in the forthcoming Tour and calling upon each to take action to prohibit its participation. Each party was asked to respond with their position on preventing the Israeli team from participating.
I am able to advise that as of 9 January the only responses to AFOPA were from DFAT responding for Minister Penny Wong, the SA tourism minister and the SA attorney-general. The SA tourism minister acknowledged receipt and advised that the matter was “receiving attention” and that the minister’s office “will be in touch in due course”. South Australia’s attorney-general responded that the attorney-general is not responsible for this matter which has been referred to the tourism minister.
Minister Wong’s response is attached for readers to assess. For me, however, those points do not answer why Israel-Premier Tech should not be excluded from the event.
The failure of others to respond to Paul Heywood-Smith’s request is indicative of the influence of the Israeli Lobby in Australia.
Letter from Penny Wong’s office
Australian Government
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
R G Casey Building John McEwen Cres Barton 0221
T +61 2 62611111DFAT.GOV
6 January 2025
Ref: MC25-000031Ms Christa Christaki
Chairperson
The Australian Friends of Palestine Association secretary@afopa.com.auDear Ms Christaki
Thank you for your letters of 23 December 2024 and 1January 2025 to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, regarding the participation of Israeli entrants in the Tour Down Under. I am replying on behalf of the Minister.
I know the conflicts in the Middle East are deeply distressing for many Australians, including the many Australians with a connection to the region and loved ones directly impacted. The widespread human suffering we are witnessing in Gaza is completely unacceptable.
While Australia is not a central player, we have a respected voice and we are using it to advocate for a ceasefire, the protection of civilians, rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian assistance, and the release of hostages. Australia’s approach to the conflict centres on building international support with other countries who want to end this war.
Australia respects the independence of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the critical role it plays in upholding international law and the rules-based order. The Australian Government been clear that Israel must act in accordance with the ICJ’s rulings on provisional measures, including to enable the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale.
Australia has also called on Israel to respond substantively to the ICJ’s advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, reverse the expansion of settlements, and respond to extremist settler activity.
The Australian Government has long opposed the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement. We believe the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will only come from open dialogue discussion between parties, not from a policy of exclusion.
In pressing for change, we have to consider the full range of tools we have available- diplomacy and dialogue, working in coalitions, multilateral forums, legislation, and public statements. Sanctions are not our only choice in sending other countries a message, and they are rarely our first choice.
With other members of the international community, Australia will continue to calibrate its policy responses.This devastating crisis demonstrates the need for a political solution to the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Australia remains steadfast in its support for a two-state solution- a Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side by side in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.
I trust this information is of assistance. Yours sincerely
Matthew Wise
Acting Assistant Secretary, Middle East Branch
Margaret Cassar
Margaret Cassar Executive Member of the Australian Friends of Palestine Association Convenor of Adelaide BDS movement
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