Multiple branches of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in New South Wales and Victoria have endorsed a motion supporting contested claims of genocide against Israel, defying national party leadership and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s efforts to suppress debate on the issue. The motion, put forward by Labor backbencher Ed Husic, calls for recognition of these claims and for Australia to pursue full diplomatic ties with the state of Palestine.

Since mid-August, at least 17 local branches and electorate committees—including those in Clovelly, Merrylands, Punchbowl, Parramatta, the Nambucca-Macleay Valley, and Northcote—have passed resolutions backing Husic’s position. Many of these branches are located in traditional Labor strongholds overseen by senior frontbenchers such as Jason Clare, Tony Burke, Andrew Charlton, Matt Thistlethwaite, and Emma McBride.

The recently adopted motion emphasizes the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and escalations of violence in the West Bank, asserting that there is an urgent need for a firm stance defending international law and the rights of Palestinians. It also praises Husic for attempting to introduce the motion at the ALP’s 50th national conference in July, where it was ultimately blocked by factional leaders who sought to keep debates regarding Israel and Palestine behind closed doors.

At the same conference, the Maritime Union initially signaled support for Husic's resolution but withdrew under pressure from party officials. Meanwhile, Albanese described the event as the "most united" he had experienced in his political career, praising members for respectful disagreement and a focus on progress rather than protest. Husic, however, expressed frustration with the party’s intolerance for dissent, criticizing the exclusion of key elements such as Hamas disarmament and Palestinian Authority reform from the adopted national platform.

While the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have declined to impose broad sanctions on Israel or its settlements, they have announced plans to implement targeted measures aimed at deterring further illegal settlement activity. This stance contrasts with backing from some party members for firmer actions.

Labor Friends of Palestine, a grassroots group, attributes the resurgence of support for Husic’s motion to frustration over restricted discussion within the party. NSW LFOP spokeswoman Nazira Sowaid noted widespread disappointment that Husic was not permitted to speak at the national conference, commenting that many Labor MPs privately support the cause but avoid public endorsement. Sowaid also pointed to recent examples where debate on Gaza and Australia’s involvement in the AUKUS security pact were similarly curtailed, suggesting a broader pattern of leadership resistance to rank-and-file pressures.

The movement’s reach extends beyond western Sydney, with Victoria’s Northcote branch member Steve Hartford endorsing a resolution identical to Husic's. Hartford said the scale of political, cultural, and economic support for Israel must be reconsidered by the party’s rank-and-file.

Internationally, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, has warned against tougher Australian government measures, describing such efforts as a “deep mistake.” Jewish organizations and members of the Coalition have also cautioned against yielding to pressure from Labor’s Left faction, underscoring the political sensitivities surrounding the issue.