Gaza, Net Zero, and Welcome to Country Spark Internal Rifts in Labor and Liberals

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Australia’s two major political parties, Labor and the Liberals, are experiencing growing internal divisions over key policy issues including the Gaza conflict, net zero emissions targets, and Indigenous ceremonial practices. These ideological rifts are exposing fault lines within both parties and raising concerns about their ability to maintain unity and respond effectively to shifting public sentiment.

Within the Labor Party, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under pressure from grassroots members pushing for a stronger stance on Gaza. Factions within the party have called for sanctions against Israel and recognition of Palestinian statehood, arguing that the government’s current approach lacks urgency in addressing the humanitarian crisis. While the government maintains its support for a two-state solution, its reluctance to take immediate diplomatic steps has created frustration among parts of its base, particularly in electorates with significant Muslim populations.

The Liberal Party is also grappling with internal discord, highlighted by recent moves from its Western Australian division to abandon net zero emissions targets and reduce Welcome to Country ceremonies at official events. Some party figures view these motions as a return to core conservative values, arguing for energy affordability and a shift away from what they see as symbolic policies. However, others within the party, especially moderates in urban seats, warn that such positions risk alienating younger and more centrist voters.

These tensions point to a broader challenge for both parties in balancing their traditional bases with the demands of a changing electorate. Labor’s cautious handling of international and Indigenous issues has disappointed some supporters, while the Liberals’ embrace of culture war rhetoric may undermine their appeal in diverse metropolitan areas. As discontent grows, there is an increasing risk that voters will shift their support to independents and smaller parties, reshaping the political landscape ahead of future elections.