Foreign Minister Penny Wong’s speech at the University of Tasmania in Hobart on Tuesday night was repeatedly interrupted by protesters demanding sanctions against Israel.
The minister was discussing international relations and policy making, including the dangers aid workers face in Gaza and her hopes for a two-state solution, when audience members began yelling at her.
Pulse understands the protest action was lead by Tasmania’s Grassroots Action Network.
Over ten interjections were made during the approximately 45-minute speech, with calls for the government to sanction Israel and criticism of the previous decision to pause funding to aid agency UNRWA.
Wong initially responded by acknowledging the concerns but encouraged the protesters to be respectful.
“I’d say to you, we are a democracy and everyone’s voice matters and I understand this is a very distressing [sic], but I don’t actually believe, and I have never believed, that we gain anything by shouting each other down,” she said.
As the interjections continued, Wong appeared frustrated and made multiple attempts to return to the stage and continue her speech.
“So, it’s disappointing that people don’t actually want to hear some of the facts about what the government is seeking to do in this situation,” she said.
Despite interjectors being told to leave the venue, remarks continued, with audience members expressing concern for loved ones in Lebanon.
“Our friends and family are in a total state of utter fear,” one audience member called out.
“Do you want to hear what I have to say? Or do you want to just shout at me?” Wong responded.
The protest outside the event in Hobart also drew dozens of demonstrators chanting and holding signs critical of Wong and the Australian government.
Speaking to the ABC on Wednesday, Wong said she doesn’t think there is ‘anything to gain’ by being “disrespectful to one another”.
“Some of the things that were being said and shouted were not true. One example is being told to stop bombing Lebanon. We are calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon.”
