Sunday, February 21, 2016

A Year is a Long Time in Federal Politics

Craig Laundy MP said this in federal parliament on 1/12/14:

"We hear the constant reference to the two-state solution [but] I believe this is used as a line to hide behind..."  & "If you look at the Middle East [today]... we can trace it pretty much back to this region some 60 or 70 years ago. Anyone who stands in this place and argues differently is not being fair dinkum." (See my 18/2/16 post Craig Laundy MP Gets It)

Now, in The Australian Jewish News of 19/2/16, we read:

"He later told The AJN that he supported a two-state solution and he meant to convey that he would like to see more done. 'I never have, nor will I, place the blame for the range of current issues in the region solely with Israel or any other state,' he said. Laundy reiterated his support for a two-state solution this week. 'Both the Australian government's and my long-standing position is that we remain committed to Israel and a Palestinian state existing side by side in peace and security, within internationally recognised borders,' he told The AJN. 'As Assistant Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I very much look forward to working side by side with the Australian Jewish community and building on the wonderful relationships that I have established during my time in Parliament within the community'." (Laundy's controversial past)

Is The AJN's coverage kosher? If so, what happened?

Did the lobby perhaps follow the advice of the always charming and forever lovely Liat Kirby-Nagar?

"You [Colin Rubenstein] should have come out fighting on this one, not pander... in smarmy tones to a man whose sum of experience rests in his own electorate, and always will. The only way to deal with him is full on. He should be forced to consider the Israeli perspective... Our Jewish leaders need to command respect, and maintain dignity; this will not happen by playing diplomatic games with a man whose sympathies lie elsewhere and whose intellectual capacity appears limited. If Laundy can't broaden his horizon he should go. Is he still the co-chair of The Friends of Palestine? If so, he should relinquish that position as it's not appropriate to his new role..." (Comment to Eager to meet a new member of the ministry, jwire.com.au, 17/2/16)

Craig... are you OK?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

So the well oiled and well financed old machine springs into action, again.