VIDEOS

The Australian elections and the Middle East: Joel Burnie on the Middle East Forum podcast

May 9, 2025

Play Video

 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Party has won a decisive victory in elections in Australia. The Middle East looks set to be an issue dividing Australia in the period ahead.

Albanese’s Labor Party is vague on the Iran issue, and supports recognizing Palestinian statehood.

The (Center-right), opposition Liberal-National Coalition has a firmer stance on Iran, in line with current US policy. The anti-Israel Greens and ‘Teals’ (independent liberals) will be seeking to influence the new government, risking Australia’s US alliance and trade stability.

How will Albanese balance these pressures? What’s at stake for Australia’s security and global role?

Joel Burnie is the executive manager at the Australia-Israel & Jewish Affairs Council, known as AIJAC. His prior positions have included president of the Australasian Union of Jewish Students and working for the Zionist Federation of Australia. He holds a BA and a JD, both from Monash University.

RELATED ARTICLES

RECENT POSTS

(Image: Shutterstock)

AIJAC: Israeli strike on Hamas’ haven in Qatar unsurprising

Palestinians receive humanitarian and food aid from the American Center for Humanitarian Aid (GHF), located in Rafah, Gaza Strip, on August 2025 (Image: Shutterstock)

Claims of ‘genocide’ and intentional starvation are used to wage war against Israel

Mark Kenny (screenshot)

Letter in the Canberra Times: Comparisons are hurtful, flawed and they cross a line

Screenshot

Protests show social cohesion being “ripped apart”: Joel Burnie on Sky News

Image: Screenshot/ ABC News

Australia taking a decisive step toward protecting its Jewish and Iranian communities

SORT BY TOPICS