Before we dive too deeply into today’s news, some poignant pictures from the great Mike Bowers from last night.

The PM, Foreign Minister and Opposition Leader met with Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who died last year after being sent to a prison in Siberia.

“We honour Ms Navalnaya’s courage and reflect on Mr Navalny’s sacrifice and enduring legacy in the fight for freedom and justice,” Penny Wong said in a statement.

Ed Husic took to the floor of parliament to deliver a statement during the adjournment debate last night, in light of Israel’s call up of reserve forces in its assault on Gaza. We have included it in its entirety so he can not be misinterpreted.

Let me state clearly, unambiguously at the start of this contribution:

Hamas is a terrorist organisation, what it did on October 7, 2023 is an abomination

Hamas should be held to account for its actions

All Israelis taken hostage by Hamas must be released immediately

I also want to state clearly and unambiguously:

Innocent Palestinians should be protected.

They should not being targeted by actions in Gaza

I made comments like this in this House back in October 2023 and I have expressed similarly, repeatedly, since the horrific events of October 7. And since then, I’ve stressed we should be conscious of the humanity of others.

My stance has been utterly consistent and steadfast.

But it’s gotten stronger when I’ve witnessed the suffering of the innocent, the starvation of kids.

Starvation should not be used as a weapon against civilians.Civilians, aid workers and journalists should be off limits

It’s just wrong and we can’t turn away from that. And this has remained the case even as the supporters of a foreign government – here and abroad – have consistently sought to deny, deflect or outright misrepresent my position and those who share my views about preserving and protecting innocent life.

They do that because it’s easier than confronting the morally challenging reality that: 63,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the

Netanyahu governments actions since October 2023

Nearly 70% of those killed are women and children

There are more child amputees and orphans in Gaza per capita than anywhere else in the world.

I think it’s important for the Parliament to note:

The ICJ believes its plausible that that the acts of the Netanyahu government could amount to genocide. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide requires countries – including ours – to take steps to prevent genocide, not just punish it, the Netanyahu government is planning to seize control entirely of Gaza City.

It is also mobilising recruits to join the IDF and that there is resistance to this from within Israel itself.

In these circumstances it’s not unrealistic to expect that dual nationals from our country may be called to serve in the IDF.

We should be sending a clear message: please don’t join.

Some dual nationals have already left Australia to join the IDF, prompting concerns in civil society.

For example, three months ago, the Australian Centre for IInternational Justice wrote to the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, plus the AFP, asking that we send unambiguous public warnings about the legal implications of joining IDF actions in Gaza.

The ACIJ emphasised it was troubled by statements from Netanyahu government officials highlighting an intent to pursue the “systemic and widespread transfer” and deportation of Gazans from territory in which they lawfully live.

Why’s that an issue?

Because it’s a crime against humanity, Specifically the deportation or forcible transfer of population, as defined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and is an offence under our own Criminal Code Act.

We don’t need Australians placed in a position where they witness, abet or participate in what will likely be deemed a genocide.

I’m also be concerned about the impact of trauma on those returning after witnessing what they would have in Gaza.

I note in the Australian today ANU Professor Donald Rothwell stated: “Because it’s such a high-level political crime, I would find it most unlikely… individual soldiers who are members of the IDF could rarely be held responsible individually for genocide.”

However, a counter-weight to this position is the ACIJ view that any Australian participating in action in Gaza, risks being held liable via what they state are “a number of modes of liability, including as direct perpetrators, as well as aiding and abetting through the provision of logistical, material or operational support.

”They also highlight that the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia previously considered “even lower ranking individual soldiers can potentially be held responsible for the crime against humanity of forcible transfer, notwithstanding any attempt at utilising a ‘superior orders’ defence.“

I’d urge our government to send a clear statement surrounding the risks of participating in IDF actions in Gaza.

It’s a prudent act to guide Australians out of harms way.

I’d also urge our government to consider reforming our laws to prevent dual nationals joining a foreign force, in cases where a body with the weight of the ICJ believes plausible genocide could be occurring in a part of the world where that foreign force is operating.

Both of these steps are actions we can take or begin to take right now.

They’re sensible, measured steps that would be welcomed by fair minded people, who believe we should do what we can to end the tragedy we’ve witnessed for far too long.

T

Penny Wong has announced the government will send $1m in support to Afghanistan, after a devastating earthquake in the remote Nangarhar Province which has killed at least 2,000 people and left thousands injured.

A humanitarian crisis already exists in Afghanistan and the country’s health system has been overwhelmed.

Wong:

Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic earthquake, their families and loved ones, and the Afghanistan community in Australia.

Australia’s assistance will be directed through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Australia works with established partners such as UN OCHA to ensure our support helps those in need, and not the Taliban regime.

Australia welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support this response. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF, contributing $11 million each year.

The Government remains firmly committed to supporting the Afghan people. Australia has provided over $260 million to the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan since 2021, with a particular focus on women and girls.

Hello and welcome to the final sitting day before estimates next month! You made it! Congratulations!

A snap senate inquiry was held into the Nauru resettlement deal last night and senators like David Pocock heard the deal could actually cost $2.5bn over the next 30 years. Home affairs officials told the inquiry that a $20m payment would be made as soon as the first person in the NZYQ resettlement plan lands in Nauru, $388m will be placed in a trust account which both governments will manage and then an additional $70m annual payment is to be made for the next 30 years.

The SMH covers the deal, here.

So expect more on that today.

Also expect the government to come out earlish this morning with what was being called a ‘big’ announcement last night. No one would confirm, but it seems to be on climate. There are hints the climate risk assessment report is due ‘imminently’ as is the 2035 target, which may not be as straight up and down as people are expecting.

Glenn Connley is going to take you through the day as Amy Remeikis (waves) has a commitment to attend. I will miss you, but know you’ll be in great hands! Have fun, get what you need to get through QT and I’ll be thinking of you!!

Ready? Take it away Glenn!

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Thanks Amy. Safe travels.

The day already has “big announcement” feels. As you suggest, more likely bad news than good.

After all, spring has sprung. It’s the final sitting day of a fortnight where the most contentious debate has been run and (kind of) won.

The AFL finals start tonight. There are 32 pages of footy wrapped around the Adelaide Advertiser before you can find any actual news.

Speaking of sport, the Demon is out of the US Open in pretty heartbreaking fashion.

So, let’s get ready to rumble. Whatever you do, steer clear of the lifts and corridors leading to the Senate and House exits at Parliament House.

My early prediction is that the PM will suggest future questions be placed on the notice paper at about 3:09pm this afternoon … then the race is on to Canberra Airport.

Like rats up a drainpipe …