The following article appeared in The Age on 6 July 2011. The Age, of course, supports Senator Boswell and attacks the Greens, because Fairfax journalists have been well represented in the groups who go on junkets to Israel paid for, or supported by The AIJAC in Australia. Participants have included Gillard, Rudd and members of both major political parties in federal parliament. They all profess undying love for Israel - what arms deals do Israel and Australia do with each other?
DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL!!
Vote to embarrass Greens on Israel
Richard Willingham
July 6, 2011
(photo not available at the moment)
New Greens senator Lee Rhiannon. Photo: Jacky Ghossein
GREENS Leader Bob Brown has failed to ''put his money where his mouth is'' by voting against a Senate motion condemning a boycott of Israel, a policy supported by new senator Lee Rhiannon, according to the Nationals' Ron Boswell.
Senator Rhiannon, one of four new Greens in the Senate, backed a Sydney local council and New South Wales Greens position for a boycott of Israel.
Senator Brown called the policy ''a mistake'', saying it cost votes at March's NSW state election. ''It's not our policy and won't be,'' Senator Brown said in April.
A motion by Senator Boswell that ''condemns the boycott of Israel instigated by Marrickville Council'' passed the Senate with the support of Labor and the Coalition. The Greens voted against it.
''Senator Brown had the opportunity to put his money where his mouth was and instead he chose to vote with his extremist colleague Lee Rhiannon, a known supporter of the boycott,'' Senator Boswell said. ''Brown has failed to pull her into line. By failing to support this motion Senator Brown has failed at the first hurdle.''
The motion also recognised Israel as a legitimate and democratic state and ''a good friend of Australia''.
Senator Brown was unavailable for comment last night.
RICHARD WILLINGHAM
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