Face-off
The Coalition and Labor answer our policy questions

With an election due on October 9, The Review submitted a series of 12 policy questions to the leaders of Australia’s two major political parties, focusing on international security, the Middle East and domestic issues of special interest to the Australian Jewish community. Their responses appear below:

Question 1: What is Australia’s proper role and strategy in countering international terrorism?

COALITION: Strong international coordination and cooperation are essential to deal with transnational terrorist threats, which is why Australia’s counter-terrorism policy includes both international and domestic elements to form an integrated national security strategy. The strategy combines strengthened defence and counter-terrorism capabilities, upgraded infrastructure and transport security, tightened border protection and enhanced international cooperation.

Australia strongly supports the counter-terrorism activities of the United Nations, including its work on capacity building and addressing the problem of terrorist financing. We are actively helping to build the counter-terrorism capabilities of regional states and supporting the development of collaborative regional approaches. The government has also demonstrated that it is prepared to contribute to military action to combat terrorism, for example in Afghanistan and through our continuing support for stabilisation efforts in Iraq.

ALP: Labor believes that proscribed terrorist organisations must be eliminated root and branch. Labor believes that the particular challenge of terrorism in South East Asia needs to be addressed by a Regional Summit on Terrorism that would bring together heads of government from South East Asia on a regular basis. This would build on Labor’s previous proposal for a Regional Summit on People Smuggling — and recognises the fundamental reality that terrorism can only be dealt with on a cooperative basis between regional governments. This involves intelligence sharing, joint policing and better resourcing whenever possible, to combat what is a major challenge for the whole region.

Labor believes that an effective strategy for combating terrorism must also confront those factors that make it easier for terrorist organisations to recruit within the region. This raises the question of economic, employment and educational opportunities available to young people across the region. Labor believes this requires an integrated, comprehensive strategy for dealing with a range of the causative factors involved in the terrorism challenge.

Finally, Labor believes that the global nature and reach of various terrorist organisations will mean that Australia will rely on global intelligence exchange — as well as support for an expanding range of UN multilateral measures designed to combat terrorist financing and explicitly to outlaw defined terrorist organisations.

Question 2: Is there a danger of large-scale international terrorism striking Australia, and if so, how should Australia’s laws balance responses to terror with civil liberties? In addition, does the war on terrorism indicate a need for Australia to re-think its current defence doctrines, and if so, in what ways?

COALITION: There continues to be a risk of a terrorist attack in Australia. The current general level of national counter-terrorism alert in Australia has remained at medium since 2001. Terrorists have made clear on several occasions that Australia and Australians are a potential target, and have been since before the September 11 attacks. Australia’s freedoms, openness and liberal democratic beliefs have not only made us a target, but they potentially leave us exposed to terrorism.

In creating laws to respond to the new security environment, the government has been conscious of the need to protect our community from the threat of terrorism. It has sought to ensure the fundamental right to human security without unnecessarily encroaching on individual rights and liberties.

For the foreseeable future, major threats to Australia and its people are more likely to come from terrorism than from conventional military attack and the government has adjusted the structure of the Australian Defence Force to better meet this threat. Of the more than $3.2 billion the government has committed to counter-terrorism since 2001, around $900 million has been allocated to Defence for measures such as raising an Incident Response Regiment and a Sydney-based Tactical Assault Group.

ALP: According to publicly available Australian Government information there is presently no known specific threat to Australia. The level of national counter-terrorism alert remains at medium under Australia’s four level alert system of low, medium, high and extreme.

Labor believes the protection of civil liberties and the protection of Australia from the threat of international terror are not mutually exclusive goals. Rather Labor believes that the integrity of our legal system and the checks and balances built in to our system of governance are the moral foundation of our defence against international terrorism. In this light Labor will continue to ensure that Australia’s security related laws not only give our law enforcement and intelligence services all the powers they need to defend Australia from the threat of international terrorism, but will do so in manner that acknowledges the role civil liberties play in this defence.

Labor is fundamentally committed to the War Against Terrorism. Labor believes that more must be done to build a coalition to fight terrorism in our region, particularly in light of South East Asia’s central importance as a theatre for operation for al-Qaeda and its allies — principally Jemaah Islamiah (JI). Maritime security through the waterways of the region, particularly the Malacca Straits, presents an ongoing concern in this regard. A Labor Government will undertake as a priority the development of a regional coordinated response, in conjunction with our neighbours, to the continuing maritime threat posed by terrorism.

Building on our existing relationships within the region to assist countries in the region to combat the threat of terrorism will be of paramount importance to a Labor Government.

Question 3: How does the aftermath of the war in Iraq affect the international threat of terrorism? Should Australia continue contributing to efforts to stabilise and democratise Iraq, and if so, in what ways and under what conditions?

COALITION: The conflict in Iraq is inextricably linked with the global campaign against terrorism. International terrorists are involved to a substantial degree in seeking to undermine the efforts of the Interim Iraqi Government and its coalition partners. These terrorists view reconstruction in Iraq through the lens of their campaign against the West and moderate Islam. Terrorists are making Iraq a focus of their efforts because they realise that the establishment of a free and democratic Iraq would be a major defeat for their cause. Conversely, a failure of will by the international community in Iraq would encourage terrorists worldwide.

The government is firmly committed to sustaining Australia’s contribution to rehabilitation in Iraq and will maintain Australia’s force deployments until their tasks are complete. These forces are playing an important, practical role in support of stabilisation and rehabilitation efforts, including in the training of the new Iraqi armed forces.

ALP: A stable, democratic and peaceful Iraq is in Australia’s interests. A Labor Government will make a substantial contribution to the reconstruction and stability of Iraq, in particular to help strengthen Iraq’s border security and health care systems.

A Labor Government will work closely with the US and the Iraqi authorities to improve Iraq’s border security, including by providing funding to support existing border security initiatives.

A Labor Government would be prepared to contribute 20-30 non-combatant personnel (service or civilian) to support the United Nations (UN) protection force in Iraq. While Labor will continue to deploy Defence Force personnel to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Slipper and the war on terrorism, a Labor Government will withdraw the Australian troops in Iraq under Operation Catalyst by the end of 2004. The security needs of our diplomats in Baghdad will not be neglected. In Government, we would act on the advice of the Diplomatic Security Adviser of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the time of the withdrawal.

Question 4: As a result of the increased risk of terrorism in recent years, certain communities in Australia, including the Jewish and Muslim communities, have had to assume a greatly increased security burden to maintain and protect their communal schools, houses of worship, and other institutions. Is there any role for the government in helping those communities to meet the costs of the threat of terrorism?

COALITION: The securing of infrastructure is generally the responsibility of the sponsoring community. In the recent Budget, however, the Government committed $20 million to establish a new National Community Crime Prevention Programme to provide grants to communities to support crime and safety initiatives. In this way, government agencies and communities can work hand in hand on these issues.

The government has greatly improved Australia’s capacity to deal with terrorist threats, committing more than $3.2 billion in additional funding to enhance national security arrangements since 2001, including an additional $872 million to strengthen intelligence capabilities. Information gathered by Australian intelligence agencies on specific threats to community groups in Australia is passed to relevant law enforcement organisations for appropriate action, and ASIO works very closely with Jewish community leaders and the Israeli Embassy to identify possible threats.

ALP: Labor takes the threat of terrorism against any institution or organisation in Australia very seriously. The eradication of these threats will be the number one priority of a Latham Labor Government.

A Labor government will significantly increase the amount of money the Federal Government spends on the protection of Australia’s homeland security.

This increase will fund the introduction of a Coastguard and enhanced security at regional airports.

Labor will also create a Department of Homeland Security to coordinate the Federal Government’s strategy to defend Australia from the threat of terrorism.

The efficiencies achieved by this amalgamation will free up Federal law enforcement and intelligence officers from bureaucratic roles so they can concentrate on operational roles, including the protection of community schools and places of worship.

Greater coordination and heightened funding under a Federal Labor Government will deliver heightened security to all of the Australian community.

Question 5: What is the importance to Australia of its relationship with Israel? What should Australia’s role be in the quest for peace between Israel and her Arab neighbours?

COALITION: Under the Coalition Government, the relationship between Australia and Israel has never been stronger. This is reflected in the quality and depth of relations at the ministerial and senior official level, extensive community and business links, expanding trade and economic ties, and the substantial cooperation between the two countries, including in the fight against international terrorism.

As a staunch friend of Israel and as a country with strong interests in a peaceful and stable Middle East region, Australia continues to provide high-level political support to facilitate a comprehensive, negotiated peace settlement. We have been active in using Australia’s voice and vote in multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, to support initiatives that contribute to the peace process, and where necessary, oppose decisions and declarations that are unbalanced and unproductive. And we are playing a constructive role, through our aid programme and contributions to multinational peace operations in the region to help create the conditions needed to underpin a durable peace settlement.

ALP: Australia has a long and proud history of friendship with Israel and its people. A comprehensive peace settlement in the interests of all parties will be the most effective means of ending discrimination throughout the Middle East. Labor strongly supports the negotiation of a just, enduring and comprehensive peace settlement, based on United Nations Security Council Resolutions, the Middle East Road Map to Peace and the Oslo Declaration of Principles agreed between Israel and the Palestinian representatives.

Labor believes that Australia should play a constructive role as a part of a broad coalition of nations, working largely through the United Nations, to encourage and assist the parties in the Road Map to Peace negotiations. Both sides should be urged to avoid unilateral actions that prejudge the outcome of negotiations. All groups should be urged to actively discourage all hostile propaganda and vilification that may incite violence and impede progress toward peace and reconciliation.

Question 6: Do you support Israeli and American efforts to encourage Palestinian reforms including the declared goal of removing Yasser Arafat from the running of the day-to-day affairs of the Palestinian Authority?

COALITION: The government has consistently stated that the first priority for the Palestinian Authority has to be effective action to end violence against Israelis, but that fundamental reform, which will provide for more accountable leadership and administration, is also urgently needed to make the PA a credible partner for peace. The government supported the establishment of the office of the Prime Minister within the PA and has worked to establish dialogue and cooperation with this new position and continues to focus development assistance to the PA in areas that will support good governance and capacity building.

ALP: Labor supports the right of self determination for the Palestinian people, including their right to their own independent state. Who leads the Palestinian people is a matter the Palestinians must determine for themselves, but Labor believes those elements amongst the Palestinians who favour reform, in particular of the security services, and reject all forms of terrorism, should be supported.

Question 7 : UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan stated in 1999, "it has sometimes seemed as if the United Nations serves the interests of all peoples but one: the Jews," and cited examples including the exclusion of Israel from the system of regional groupings, and the infamous resolution equating Zionism with racism. Should Australia be using its influence at the UN to attempt to end discrimination against Israel, and promote peace, and, if so, how should it be doing this?

COALITION: The Coalition Government has a strong record in defending and supporting Israel’s interests in the UN . This is reflected in principled positions the government has consistently taken on UN resolutions which discriminate against or unfairly target Israel and its refusal to sign on to decisions which do nothing to advance the peace process. The government opposed the UN General Assembly resolution seeking the ICJ’s advisory opinion on Israel’s security barrier and the subsequent resolution endorsing the ICJ’s opinion. In both cases, the government argued that an ICJ opinion would only distract parties from the peace process.

The Government has also continued its high level advocacy in support of Israel’s right to formal membership of, and participation in, the United Nations’ system of regional groupings — a democratic principle that is critical to the aims and credibility of the organisation.

ALP: See answer Question 5, above.

Question 8: Should Australia change the numbers or make-up of its immigration intake over coming years? If so, in what way? Should Australia continue with its policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers who arrive illegally?

COALITION: The Australian Government is committed to a migration programme that provides a strong foundation to meet Australia’s economic, international environmental and social objectives and obligations, including supporting family reunion. In recent years the programme has increased in response to labour force needs, including in the regions. The government will continue to make decisions about the immigration intake on the basis of the national interest.

Australia has a sovereign right to control who enters our borders. Australia does not detain people because they seek asylum but because they have arrived illegally. The detention of unauthorised arrivals allows for the determination of refugee status, health and character checking. If a person is found to be a refugee, they are released into the community. If visas were granted to all people who arrived unlawfully, Australia would be less able to serve the needs of genuine refugees.

ALP: Labor will ensure immigration levels are set within the framework of a population policy fashioned in Australia’s interest and consistent with international and humanitarian commitments. The system of setting immigration targets year by year without any underlying rationale or long-term policy framework has contributed to declining public confidence in the program. Moving to long-term planning will achieve greater stability and confidence.

Labor is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory immigration policy. Labor recognises the economic and social contribution that has been made by immigrants and refugees throughout our nation’s history. Labor regards Australia’s diversity as a source of national strength and nation building and will consistently oppose those who seek to poison Australia’s social cohesion by fostering extremism, hatred or ethnic division.

Labor will ensure that the current system and criteria for granting visitor visas is addressed and that a more equitable, flexible, fair and non-discriminatory system is implemented while at all times maintaining the integrity of our immigration program.

Labor is committed to the retention of mandatory detention. Unlike the Howard Government, Labor believes mandatory detention should be used for the proper administrative purposes of ensuring the health, identity and security checking of all unauthorised arrivals, enabling the expediting of processing and ensuring that those whose claims have failed are locatable and available for removal from Australia.

Question 9: Do you support a policy of multiculturalism for Australia, and if so, what are the benefits for the nation you see deriving from this policy and what are the concrete programs required to implement it? Are there core responsibilities and values all Australians must accept and share to be good citizens of Australia?

COALITION: In May 2003, the government renewed its multicultural policy through the statement Multicultural Australia: United in Diversity. It places an emphasis on furthering community harmony, equitable access to government programmes and harnessing the economic and social benefits of diversity, and committed to a continued role for the Council for Multicultural Australia in promoting community harmony.

The government also supports the Living in Harmony initiative, a grants programme for communities to enable them to play a positive role in promoting cultural diversity, and provides many settlement services programmes for newly arrived refugees to help them adjust to live in Australia.

The government is committed to nurturing an inclusive society through a policy of Australian multiculturalism that respects cultural diversity within a common commitment to Australian values such as respect for difference, a fair go, freedom and our democratic traditions.

ALP: Multiculturalism will continue to be an essential part of the Australian character. For the most part, multiculturalism has helped us to live together relatively harmoniously and to address issues of access and equity. We need to take stock of changing realities. It is clear, for example, that international events and their interconnection with religion presents us with new challenges. I would want to take a proactive role in addressing the resulting threats to community harmony. I know that many people of goodwill are engaged in interfaith dialogue, and I would want to encourage that further. Equally, we need to ensure, through a serious access and equity strategy that Australians of diverse backgrounds have proper access to government assistance programs.

Question 10: Under a government led by you, will the present level of Commonwealth recurrent funding to each Jewish day school be maintained in real terms? Will you adjust the SES scores of those of our schools with grossly anomalous scores to better reflect the true socio-economic position of their parent bodies?

COALITION: Under the SES funding arrangements no school is financially disadvantaged. Schools that would have had their funding reduced have their year 2000 entitlements maintained in real terms. From 2005 to 2008, Jewish schools will receive around $105 million in recurrent grants from the Australian Government. This is an estimated increase of $25 million over the previous funding period including an additional $3.5 million as a direct result of the SES funding arrangements.

The government recognises that some school communities have special characteristics and is examining an expanded appeals process to consider these characteristics where it is believed the school’s SES score is not representative of that community. The final details of this model will be available once the Australian Government’s schools legislation — which delivers a record $31 billion in funding for Australian schools — is passed through the Parliament.

Labor recognises that those Jewish schools which charge relatively high fees provide significant fee discounts to a large proportion of their students, so that no Jewish child will be deprived of a Jewish education. In looking at fees, Labor also recognises that the proper comparison has to be like-with-like, and that school fees will be treated in the same manner as they have been since the inception of funding to non-government schools. Labor agrees that these factors should be taken into account when assessing the appropriate level of support for these schools. The level of support to any school will not be based solely on its stated fees, but on an assessment of its overall resources and needs.

Labor will fund all schools to a national standard of school resources, so that their students have access to the resources they need to achieve a 21st century standard of education. Most Jewish day schools will benefit from that policy.

Question 11: Do you support proposals to introduce federal legislation to outlaw incitement to religious and racial hatred?

COALITION: The Australian Government encourages respect and tolerance for the broad range of cultural and religious differences in Australia as fundamental elements of a free and democratic society. It condemns all forms of violence, discrimination and vilification on the ground of religion or race, and is committed to preserving the right of all people to practise their religious and cultural customs and traditions, within the scope of the law, without intimidation or harassment.

The government also supports freedom of speech enjoyed by Australians, but notes that it is not an unlimited freedom. The government believes that the most effective way to promote tolerance of differences and minimise discrimination is through education.

The Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act 1975 prohibits discrimination and vilification on the basis of race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin. The terms ‘race’ and ‘ethnic origin’ are intended to extend to groups such as Jews and Muslims.

Although there is no specific legislation at the federal level which prohibits religious vilification or discrimination, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission can inquire into, and attempt to conciliate, acts or practices that may be inconsistent with or contrary to any human right, including the right to freedom of religion. 

ALP: The Shadow Minister for Homeland Security Robert McClelland introduced a private members bill on December 1 2003 specifically outlawing incitement of religious and racial hatred and introducing criminal penalties for people convicted of this offence.

Despite the horrendous impact of racial and religious hatred and the merits of the of the Shadow Minister’s legislation, the Howard Government has refused to allow this bill to be debated in parliament.

The Howard Government should put the protection of racial and religious minorities before its pride and support this important legislation.

Question 12: Wide concern has been expressed regarding the level of accountability of our taxpayer-funded public broadcasters, the ABC and SBS. What moves would your Government make to ensure that more equitable complaints procedures and rigorous codes of practice together with other processes for accountability are in place and adhered to in these institutions?

ALP: Labor is developing a policy to strengthen and streamline the ABC and SBS complaints mechanisms. We will ensure that the appeals process is independent of the ABC and SBS. The details of this policy will be released prior to the election.