Canberra — Former political staffer Bruce Lehrmann’s federal court appeal may have dominated headlines in Sydney. Still, across Australia, a more consequential battle is unfolding: the government’s clash with Israel after Canberra recognized Palestinian statehood.
Lehrmann, the former Liberal staffer, opened his appeal on Wednesday against a 2024 civil judgment that found, on the balance of probabilities, that he raped his colleague, Brittany Higgins in Parliament House. His defamation lawsuit against Network 10 and journalist Lisa Wilkinson was dismissed after the court ruled their reporting was “substantially true.” Lehrmann’s lawyers are now arguing that procedural fairness was denied in the original trial, while Wilkinson has filed her appeal, contesting the judge’s sharp criticisms of her coverage.
While the courtroom revisited one of the country’s most divisive political scandals, the Albanese government sought to turn attention to economic reforms. Treasurer Jim Chalmers opened the second day of his reform roundtable, calling for “structural changes” to lift productivity and wages. At the same time, Canberra announced the end of a three-year freeze on deeming rates, a decision that will modestly increase pension and welfare payments for nearly 900,000 Australians from September 20.
But it was foreign policy that exposed the sharpest divisions. Israel has launched a furious campaign of retaliation against Canberra for recognizing Palestinian statehood. This diplomatic decision placed Australia among the growing list of countries rejecting Tel Aviv’s brutal apartheid policies. In response, Israel revoked visas for Australian officials bound for Ramallah and unleashed a series of hostile attacks from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu, increasingly isolated on the world stage, branded Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “weak,” a move seen in Canberra as an act of desperation from a leader presiding over the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke fired back, declaring that “strength is not measured by how many people you can blow up.” The statement underscored growing frustration within Australia’s cabinet at Israel’s arrogant attempts to bully governments into silence.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned Israel’s actions as an abuse of diplomatic norms and confirmed that Australia would not be intimidated. Her remarks reflected a broader international mood: as Israel tightens its war on Gaza and Palestinians face Gaza Genocide, famine, and displacement, its diplomatic tactics abroad have become more aggressive and counterproductive.
Critics say that Israel’s retaliation against Australia highlights its deep fear that Palestine’s recognition is gaining unstoppable momentum. Countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe are increasingly endorsing Palestinian sovereignty, leaving Israel more reliant on the United States for cover. Canberra’s decision to recognize Palestine, far from weakening Australia, has cast Israel as a desperate regime terrified of losing control over the global narrative.
Opposition leader Sussan Ley, however, sided with Tel Aviv, accusing Albanese of mishandling relations with Israel. Her comments sparked backlash from rights groups, who argued that defending a government engaged in systematic oppression of Palestinians was both morally and politically indefensible.
The widening rift signals a turning point in Australia’s foreign policy. By standing against Israel’s intimidation and supporting Palestinian statehood, Canberra has embraced a more independent role in global affairs, one that resonates with international law and the will of nations long opposed to Israel’s occupation.
According to The Guardian, Lehrmann’s appeal will continue over three days, but the larger story for Australia may be its refusal to bow to Israel’s desperate retaliation and its growing recognition of Palestinian sovereignty.
