From ‘Principled’ to ‘Premature’: Local Reactions to Australia’s Recognition of Palestine

Australia’s recognition of Palestine has triggered a strong response from both sides of the debate.
From ‘Principled’ to ‘Premature’: Local Reactions to Australia’s Recognition of Palestine
Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong (L) listens to Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he speaks during a press conference in Canberra, Australia on Aug. 11, 2025. Hilary Wardhaugh/AFP via Getty Images
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine has triggered a wave of sharply contrasting reactions—from praise for a “principled decision,” to accusations of betrayal and warnings it rewards terrorism.

While Albanese framed recognition as a step toward a two-state solution and confirmed assurances from the Palestinian Authority that Hamas would have no role in a future state, the announcement’s immediate impact has received political and diplomatic pushback at home and abroad.

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].