The Australian Government’s position on the death penalty is clear. Australia opposes the death penalty in all circumstances for all people.
All Australian Governments for many years have strongly advocated this position.
As Australia’s Special Envoy for International Human Rights, I am deeply concerned by the passage in the Knesset of legislation expanding the use of the death penalty.
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom have made clear that our governments hold deep concerns.
The death penalty is an inhumane and degrading form of punishment. It has no deterrent effect.
It is inconsistent with the protection of human dignity and risks undermining democratic principles and the rule of law.
I have spoken about my long-held opposition to the death penalty many times.
I urge the Israeli Government to reconsider this course.