Unity. Unity. Unity.
The powerful momentum from the Harbour Bridge march—felt nationally and internationally—provided the necessary pressure for the Australian government to act. The recognition of the State of Palestine, a long-held goal of our movement, is a welcome step.
It’s also clear that the government must take stronger action with great urgency, even if we also know that Australia alone cannot stop Israel’s assault. When Australia acts with courage, as part of coordinated global pressure, our voice matters. This strategy has already amplified opportunities to push for international accountability and shift the debate in forums where Palestine’s future is at stake.
Unity in our demands
As a union movement representing the diversity of the working class, we are clear about the demands that can contribute to international pressure for an end to the bombing of Gaza and occupation of Palestine.
Unions, workers organisations and solidarity groups of many different stripes, right up to the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), have consistently called on the Australian Government to take immediate steps to secure peace, by including:
- Using all influence, pressure, and diplomatic measures to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
- Ending all military trade with Israel.
- Enacting targeted sanctions.
- Mobilise urgent humanitarian aid where it is needed most.
These are not abstract positions. They are urgent and necessary responses to a reality where 83% of those killed in Gaza have been civilians, according to the Israeli military’s own data. This figure alone underscores the catastrophic cost of Israel’s military campaign.
In recent days, a joint statement signed by the ACTU, Union Aid Abroad–APHEDA, and civil society organisations has strengthened these demands by calling for accountability in Australia’s arms trade. The statement urges the Australian Government “to support a parliamentary review to assess the potential that arms exports could be used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law and consider available mitigating measures.”
Unity in action
The United Nations has already warned that the planned takeover of Gaza City would be a catastrophe. This makes it clear: now is time for strategic action.
To build real pressure, we must expand both our numbers and our influence. That means continuing to mobilise through public demonstrations, petitions, and fundraising campaigns, but also broadening the coalition of voices who stand behind these demands. Every new organisation and leadership that steps forward strengthens the legitimacy and reach of our call.
Strategic action also means sharpening our focus. Public mobilisation keeps the issue on the national agenda and coordinated advocacy—parliamentary lobbying, union motions, targeted campaigns on military trade and sanctions—ensures our demands are impossible to ignore in Canberra and on the international stage.
Unity is about combining our strengths in ways that multiply our impact. By acting collectively, we can grow the best of our efforts to stop the carnage in Gaza and stand firmly with workers and their communities everywhere.
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