Mark Leibler and Dr Colin Rubenstein of The Australia/Israel and Jewish Affairs Council have sent congratulations to Australia’s new Government, J-Wire reported. Newly elected PM Tony Abbott of the conservative Liberal Party is known for supporting Israel, and said during the election campaign that he is “firmly committed to restoring the Australia- Israeli friendship.”
The congratulatory note stated:
“AIJAC congratulates Tony Abbott and the Coalition on their election victory. Prime Minister-elect Tony Abbott and Foreign Minister-elect Julie Bishop with their colleagues have been exceptional friends of Israel and the Jewish community in Opposition and we look forward to this steadfast support continuing in Government. We welcome the Coalition’s commitment to upgrade relations with Israel, including closer trade and investment ties and opposition to the discriminatory and destructive campaign for boycotts, sanctions and divestment against Israel.
“We also congratulate the many Labor friends of Israel and the Jewish community who have been elected and hope for and expect the continuation of a strong bipartisan approach to Israel and other matters of concern to the Jewish community.
“AIJAC looks forward to continuing to work with parliamentarians from across the political spectrum to strengthen Australia’s ties with Israel, oppose terrorism, bolster human rights and enhance our inclusive, multicultural Australia. ”