Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia must allow protest while acknowledging deep community anger ahead of Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s Sydney visit.
Penny Wong said there is a “depth of feeling” across Australian communities about Herzog’s visit, with protests planned in Sydney next week.
The visit is intended to honour victims of an antisemitic terror attack, but groups including the Palestine Action Group have confirmed demonstrations will go ahead.
Asked whether protests should be allowed, Wong said Australia is a democracy where people hold differing views, and urged the public to consider the purpose and context of the visit.
Labor MP Ed Husic, a long-time critic of Israel, said he has “deep concerns” about the visit.
Wong said the government understands community anger over Gaza and is working internationally to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to flow.
