Sally Sara, Host: Why are these two specific Israeli ministers being sanctioned?
Penny Wong, Foreign Minister: Look, Australia's had a consistent position of supporting two states. A two-state solution, we believe is the only way to assure security and peace for both Israelis and Palestinians. These two ministers are the most extreme proponents of the unlawful and violent Israeli settlement enterprise. And along with the United Kingdom, with Canada, with New Zealand and Norway, we have determined that it is important together to send a very clear message that these activities and the impingement on the rights, human rights of Palestinians in the West Bank are not acceptable.
Sara: And why was it their actions and comments regarding the West Bank rather than Gaza that was chosen as the basis for these sanctions?
Foreign Minister: These are the sanctions that this coalition of countries have determined, and you and I have spoken, I think, previously, about sanctions. And I've made it clear we don't give warning of sanctions. That's why they have the most impact when we act together with others.
Sara: But bringing you back to the question, why base this on their actions and comments on the West Bank rather than Gaza specifically?
Foreign Minister: Well, we've been clear about our position on Gaza and we have acted with other countries to continue to call for the release of hostages. We've condemned Hamas for their terrorist activities and the horrific events of October 7th. We have called and voted for the Israeli Government to permit aid unhindered. And we will continue to advocate for all of these things, including a ceasefire.
Sara: And when we're looking at the specifics here, what were the defining actions or comments by these two ministers that made Australia want to join these other nations in imposing sanctions?
Foreign Minister: As I said, these two ministers are the most extreme proponents of what we regard as an unlawful and violent settlement enterprise, which by their actions, go against the notion of a two-state solution. We do think that's important for peace and security in the region.
Sara: You're doing this with allies, but that's not including the United States. Was the Trump administration made aware that Australia would be implementing these sanctions?
Foreign Minister: Look, there are occasions on which in our alliance, we have had differences of views and differences of approach, but obviously there remains a great deal of strategic alignment across many domains. In terms of how we deal with this diplomatically I won't go into all the detail of that, but you would anticipate that we have engaged with others as appropriate.
Sara: We were speaking this morning with Dr Mustafa Barghouti talking about the situation for Palestinians in the West Bank. And he was saying that if Australia supports a two-state solution, why does Australia not recognise the state of Palestine? What's your answer to that?
Foreign Minister: Well, I'd make a few points. The first is, you know, we still have hostages being held by Hamas. We obviously continue to call for hostages to be released. I also would say I have made very clear that we no longer see recognition as only occurring at the end of a peace process. We do see the possibility of recognition as part of the peace process and that is the approach we'll be taking.
Sara: On a separate issue, the demonstrations that have been taking place in Los Angeles. We've seen two Australian journalists, Nine's Lauren Tomasi and the ABC's Lauren Day, in addition, an ABC camera operator targeted in separate incidents amid the ongoing immigration protests in LA. What's your response to that?
Foreign Minister: Well, Australia believes in a free media and Australia believes that journalists should be able to do their jobs safely. And obviously we have raised concerns through diplomatic channels. And the Prime Minister spoke about yesterday, certainly in relation to the Channel Nine reporter. What I would say more generally is obviously, though, what is occurring in the U.S. is a matter for obviously domestic considerations, but I would ask Australians to avoid as much as possible the areas of protest.
Sara: Has there been any reassurance from U.S. officials that this kind of incident involving particularly Australian journalists won't happen again?
Foreign Minister: Well, we've certainly asked for and received assurances around an independent investigation in relation to the Channel Nine reporter and we'll continue to make appropriate representations. We believe in a free media.
Sara: Later this week the Prime Minister is due to attend the G7 summit in Canada. Has he locked in a meeting as yet on the sidelines with US President Donald Trump?
Foreign Minister: Well, Sally, obviously the Prime Minister's program is a matter for him and I'm sure those announcements would be made in the usual way. But I know the Prime Minister has had three very constructive conversations with President Trump and we look forward to engaging - we're continuing to engage with the Trump administration and I know the Prime Minister is looking forward to the G7.
Sara: On the matter of US tariffs, should Australia consider taking its AUKUS payments off the table to secure an exemption as suggested by former PM Malcolm Turnbull?
Foreign Minister: Look, I think that such an approach would be unwise. We see AUKUS as a very important partnership. We see the acquisition of submarines as important for Australia's security. And I think it's important to separate those things from our very strong disagreement in terms of trade. As we have said consistently, we don't think the approach that has been taken by the United States is consistent with our free trade agreement and ultimately, it will harm American consumers. And we'll continue to put that there.
Sara: Just briefly, there are reports this morning about China's expanding policing links in the Pacific, including Vanuatu, China's increasingly visible actions in the region. Are they concerning you? Especially given the policing pact between the Pacific and Australia.
Foreign Minister: I've been very upfront with the Australian people about what is occurring in the Pacific and I've described it as permanent contest and we have to work harder to be a partner of choice. We have to work harder to assure the stability of the region and that's what this government is doing. Certainly, we're very grateful for the support of many Pacific countries in the Pacific-led, Australian-backed Pacific policing initiative.
Sara: Just finally, what's your reaction to the Socceroos qualifying for the World Cup in North America next year?
Foreign Minister: It's fantastic. We're a soccer family, one of my daughters is a very keen soccer player. And so we're all very, very pleased with this and I hope it is the opportunity for kids, girls and boys across Australia to engage in what is a great sport.
Sara: Penny Wong, thank you very much.
Foreign Minister: Thanks for having me.