Now that they've won the election by a landslide, Labor seems to believe it no longer needs to be held accountable. The appalling scene of government minister Tanya Plibersek refusing to answer an important question from a student highlights this alarming attitude.
Student: "Hey, are you Tanya Plibersek?"
Plibersek: "Why do you ask?"
Student: "We're on our way to a student strike for what is happening in Palestine, and I want to ask you about your government's position and why you haven't cut ties with Israel."
Plibersek: "Did you ask my permission to start filming?"
Student: "I don't have to ask permission to film you — we’re in a public space."
Plibersek: (Ignores)
Student: "Would you like to answer why your government won't cut ties with the genocidal regime of Israel?"
Plibersek: "Why would I talk to you when you just want to have a fight, not a discussion?"
Student: "Because you are an elected member of parliament."
Plibersek: "When did you ever convince anyone of your point of view by shouting at them?"
Student: "When did you ever...?" (Plibersek exits.)
It’s clear that Plibersek was caught off guard, leading her to respond defensively rather than thoughtfully. Instead of acknowledging the student’s concerns about genocide and inviting a deeper, more reasoned conversation, she deflects by criticizing the manner in which the question is asked.
Here’s how she could have responded:
"I’m happy to discuss Australia’s position on Israel and Palestine, but I’d prefer to have a more thoughtful conversation than we can have here in passing. Would you be willing to meet with me to talk about it in more detail?"
Unfortunately, like many of the mealy-mouthed responses from her government, Plibersek's reply reflects a dismissive attitude toward a concerned constituent — a sign of the growing arrogance in Labor ranks following their electoral victory.
At the heart of democracy and representative government is the need for elected officials to be held accountable for their votes in parliament. Accountability is not optional. Unless a question is personal in nature, MPs should respond to public inquiries, not hide behind social convention.
Labor's Arrogance on Accountability
Tanya Plibersek refuses to engage with a student’s legitimate question on Australia’s ties with Israel.
Following their electoral victory, Labor ministers seem to feel they no longer need to answer to the public. A recent interaction between Tanya Plibersek and a student underscores this alarming trend, as the minister refuses to address a pressing question on Australia’s relationship with Israel.