Newly Elected MP Basem Abdo Urges Historic Commitment to Peace and Human Rights in First Parliamentary Speech
In his first address to parliament, newly elected MP Basem Abdo called on the government to make a “historic commitment” to international law, human rights, and peace, declaring that Palestinians have long been “made to be strangers in their own homes.”
Abdo, who comes from a Palestinian background, spoke of his family’s displacement—first from Kuwait to Jordan during the Gulf War, and later to Australia. He described the deep and enduring sense of loss shared by generations of Palestinians, calling it an “intergenerational dispossession.”
His remarks followed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s own emotional reflection on the images emerging from Gaza. While Abdo refrained from directly referencing Israel’s military campaign in the occupied territory, his speech unmistakably echoed the growing concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding there.
“International law matters. The international rules-based order matters,” Abdo told parliament on Monday evening.
“Human rights matter. The right to peace, justice, and recognition matters. These are all deserving of an historic commitment.”
Born in Kuwait, Abdo recalled the night his family fled the country as refugees, held up at the border while waiting for new vehicle number plates to arrive from the Jordanian capital.
“We waited through the night in the barren desert near the Jordanian border. That was the reality—not just the chaos of war with tanks and fear, but the invisible toll of bureaucracy: paperwork, approvals, delays. Even in conflict, the burden of administration weighs heavy.”
Abdo, who previously worked as a staffer for former Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou—one of Labor’s most vocal advocates for Palestinian rights—went on to win his seat following what the Australian Electoral Commission described as one of the most complex preference counts in its history.
Reflecting on his family’s time in Jordan, Abdo painted a vivid picture of life in limbo. “We taped up the windows of our apartment with gaffer tape,” he said, recalling the fear of bombings.
“We walked alongside our parents down a path so many Palestinians have walked—a path marked by forced departures, always to somewhere new. Our story is one of repeated loss. Each time, hoping it would be the last. But never with certainty.”
“No matter how much we contributed to the societies we lived in, no matter how well we integrated or excelled, we were always the first to be displaced. Always the first to be told we didn’t belong. Because we were Palestinian.”
Albanese Reiterates Concerns Over Gaza, Says Palestinian Statehood Recognition Must Be More Than Symbolic
During Question Time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese again voiced deep concern over the “humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in Gaza, where civilians are being killed and left to starve. Pressed on whether the government would formally recognise a Palestinian state, Albanese emphasized that any recognition must go beyond symbolism, reiterating that it must contribute meaningfully to a lasting peace with Israel. He added that Australia is currently “in discussions with other countries” on the matter.
In his maiden speech, MP Basem Abdo celebrated the diversity of his electorate, Calwell, describing it as “one of the most diverse communities in the country – and one of the proudest.” He pledged to advocate for those who often feel sidelined in national conversations.
“I will stand in solidarity with communities that are too often excluded from the Australian story,” Abdo said.
Highlighting the value of multiculturalism, he called it “a remarkable achievement,” and urged parliamentarians to protect it so “the promise of a fair go is real for all.”
Abdo also outlined his commitment to revitalising local industry and creating secure jobs, drawing a connection between economic decisions and social disruption. He noted that political choices—like underinvestment and structural neglect—can also cause deep dislocation and dispossession.
Reflecting on his own family’s struggles, Abdo spoke of his parents’ difficulty finding work in Australia, despite holding professional qualifications from overseas. He also lamented the long-term decline of manufacturing in his electorate in Melbourne’s outer suburbs.
“Too often, it’s working people who feel the first shock, who carry the greatest burden, and who receive the least support to recover and rebuild,” he said.
