Shireen Abu Akleh
Ms HALFPENNY (Thomastown) (13:01): On Sunday I attended condolences for Shireen Abu Akleh, a well-known and much-loved Palestinian-American journalist who was shot dead during an Israeli defence force raid in the occupied West Bank town of Jenin. I stand and mourn with the many Palestinian-Australians living in the electorate of Thomastown and those that live elsewhere, along with all fair-minded people shocked and angry at this most horrendous crime. For over 25 years Shireen Abu Akleh worked as a reporter for Al Jazeera, bravely reporting events in the Middle East without fear or favour, an independent and professional journalist held in very high regard. She has also inspired many women to follow her path. The Australian Labor Party national conference has determined that a federal Labor government will recognise a Palestinian state, and I congratulate my party on the sensational election result on Saturday—a government that will support higher wages, good jobs, better health care and a decent retirement as well as human rights. Thanks to Beit Jala association for organising the condolences.