Crossbench MPs introduce bill to block Australian defence exports used in Gaza

A coalition of crossbench MPs, including David Pocock and Sophie Scamps, plans to introduce a private member’s bill that would compel the Albanese government to align with international human-rights duties by banning Australian defence exports employed by Israel. The "red lines" legislation would criminalise the provision of equipment, technology or services that could be used in violations such as the Gaza conflict, focusing on Australian-made components of the F-35 fighter jets used by the Israeli air force.

The bill also seeks to prevent Australian companies and institutions from investing in activities tied to illegal settlements and other serious breaches of international law, and proposes the creation of an independent anti-genocide commissioner. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has described Australia’s contributions as "non-lethal," while Defence Minister Richard Marles accused critics of spreading misinformation. Labor leaders have faced criticism for not joining other nations in restricting trade with Israeli settlements, and the proposal is unlikely to gain government support.