Jim Chalmers is being panned by critics because he is prepared to stand up and tell some home truths. He states a fact that cannot be refuted: the war in the Middle East is impacting strongly on the economy of Australia. Petrol prices have sky-rocketed because of Donald Trump’s mismanagement of the war he launched against Iran. Chalmers is also right in saying that four out of five dollars accounting for demand growth came from the private sector. Public demand growth has actually slowed.

Apparently 10 Labor caucus members were approached by journalists. We are not told how many of those decried what Jim Chalmers was doing. This handful of the 124 Labor MPs from both houses are would not hold a candle to Jim Chalmers’ expertise as an economist. The one disaffected MP was quoted as saying he was not an economist. Ne-er a truer word was spoken. Yet his utterings on the economy are given precedence over those who are.

Chris Minns is described as being on the warpath against the federal government after he stated categorically that both state and federal governments need to conscious of their spending. Hardly a ‘warpath’ comment. The federal government has retained its triple A credit rating from all three credit rating agencies, while the Queensland government has just had its credit rating downgraded by S&P.

The fight for Palestine continues

As a longtime supporter of the Palestinian people, Annerley Labor will continue to put pressure on the Albanese government to take more meaningful action to help end the genocide in the Gaza and work more assertively towards formal Palestinian statehood.
Recently, branch members adopted a resolution that called on the Albanese government to undertake a number of actions that included:

• Persisting in its support for a two-state solution,
• ensuring there is no trade between Australia and the illegal settlements,
• adhering to the full application of international law, despite challenges from other powers,
• joining South Africa in its application to the International Criminal Court alleging Israeli breaches of the Genocide Convention, and
• seeking the immediate release of Marwan Barghouti – a currently incarcerated Palestinian leader.

Previously, Annerley branch members keenly expressed their support for Federal MP, Ed Husic, who had sought to bring a motion to recognise the genocide in Gaza to the floor of the ALP National Conference held last July. Despite the factions refusing to allow his motion to be debated, many Party members have applauded his efforts.

Soon, Annerley branch members will discuss the recent decision of the Australian government to not join Canada, the United Kingdom, France and others in applying full sanctions on individuals and businesses providing goods and services in and from illegal Israeli settlements. Many in the Labor Party are devastated by this decision which has been described as clearly in contravention of core Labor values. A formal motion has been scheduled to be debated at the October general meeting condemning the decision not to impose these sanctions and urging the Albanese government to reverse its weak stance – which has been severely criticised by several humanitarian and human rights organisations.

Coupled with the continuing efforts of Labor Friends of Palestine, Annerley Labor and many other Party branches, members and allied community groups will continue to campaign for justice for the people of Palestine and fight against the massive influence being waged by Zionist elements in Australian politics – including that of the Labor Party.

For more information about Labor Friends of Palestine, email laborfriendsofpalestine@outlook.com.