Australia’s decision on whether to recognise a Palestinian state will not be dictated by Washington – and that, apparently, was enough to attract howls of condemnation and disapproval from sections of the Murdoch media.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed this week that he was unlikely to consult with U.S. President Donald Trump before making any decision on recognition. It’s a simple case of Australia acting in Australia’s national interest, emphasising that the issue will be decided in Canberra, not in the White House.
The reaction from the Murdoch media was swift and fierce. Headlines and opinion columns framed Albanese’s stance as a diplomatic snub to a “key ally,” warning of potential damage to the Australia–U.S. relationship. The coverage fits a familiar pattern: when leaders diverge from U.S. policy – especially under a Republican president – Murdoch media frequently portrays it as reckless or unpatriotic.
At the heart of the dispute is a deeper question of sovereignty. Critics argue that Australia should stand firm on charting its own foreign policy, particularly on sensitive Middle East matters, which have been shaped for decades by complex international law and humanitarian concerns. Recognition of a Palestinian state has long been debated within Australia, with supporters citing the need for a two-state solution and opponents warning of diplomatic repercussions with Israel and the United States.
Trump’s return to the White House has already shifted global diplomatic currents, with several leaders recalibrating their positions to maintain favour. By declaring that Australia’s decision will not be subject to U.S. approval, Albanese is signalling a willingness to resist that pressure – even if it means copping criticism from one of the country’s most powerful media empires.
In a political environment where foreign policy is often filtered through the prism of domestic politics and media narratives, Albanese’s comments draw a sharp line: Australia will make its own call. The real question is whether the public sees that as principled independence – or unnecessary defiance.
Either way, the stance taps into a deeper tradition in Australian foreign policy: the belief that while alliances matter, sovereignty matters more. From Whitlam’s recognition of China to Howard’s refusal to sign the Kyoto Protocol, Australia has occasionally charted its own course against the preferences of powerful allies. Albanese’s decision – or even just his refusal to seek Trump’s blessing – may yet be remembered as another of those moments.
Also by Michael Taylor:
Australia to chart its own course on Palestinian statehood, without Trump’s say-so
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More and more the Australian, the rest of the Murdoch papers and those who write for them are diverging from a recognition of the reality in Australia regarding the Israeli genocide. I applaud Albanese for asserting Australia’s independence, I just wonder when that’s going to translate into recognition of a Palestinian state and completely cutting ties with Israel. Until Netanyahu and his warmonger colleagues are gone, and the genocide, including starvation is ended, we should have no truck in any form with Israel. Let the Zionist lobby, and its media enablers bleat, but more and more Australians are recognising any continuing dealings with Israel leave us open to charges of colluding in genocide and I do not want to carry that burden. Nor, I suspect, do a clear majority of Australians.
Chump may well think he is America’s dictator, with grand visions of becoming world dictator, but he does not rule Australia. Nor can he carry on with all this tariff bullshit to try and bully countries to do his bidding.
It is the same with Murdoch, he is American, not a ruler of any kind, and certainly does not rule Australia.
Both are entitled to their own opinions but we are our own sovereign country not ruled or bullied by them.
When Israel was recognised it was on the condition that displaced Palestinians would be given the right of return, or be compensated. This UN resolution is reaffirmed each year.
As things stand, it seems that the opinion of the USA is not relevant here, and Australia can and should now act strongly towards recognition of Palestine.
Something that is not clear is whether this would then mean that we no longer recognise Israel
Would someone explain to the Australian people why Australia supports a two state solution but Hamas has clearly stated that they DO NOT RECOGNISE ISRAEL.
This means Hamas doesn’t accept a two state solution.
Secondly Gaza is destroyed – no agricultural land, no infrastructure. Who is going to pay for rebuilding Gaza. It should be the rich Arab nations. Why would the West fund the rebuilding of a place where the population is absolutely committed to harming us infidels?
Bev, have you had a medication review lately?
Murdoch chose to discard his Australian nationality where he was born, raised and became “successful” in favour of upholding the so-called virtues of USA where he and his family claim societal privileges not available to the majority of US citizens. He abandoned Australia years ago and therefore has no credibility or authority to criticize what Australian elected leaders are entitled to do in Australia’s name.
@Bev – “Who is going to pay for rebuilding Gaza.”
Only one possible answer. ISRAEL.
Bev:
Many shops have a policy of “if you break it, you’ve bought it”. This applies to Gaza, which means Israel and its western accomplices.
This morning, 11 Aug, it was said, Albo may commit to Palestinian Statehood as soon as today. At about 2pm he said Oz would at the UN in September, recognize Palestinian Statehood.