By Darcy Davitt, Maya Auld.
On the evening of 19 August 2024, the inaugural ANU Centre for Asian-Australian Leadership (CAAL) Annual Lecture was interrupted by a group of pro-Palestine protesters.
The sold-out event, held at Llewellyn Hall, featured Senator Penny Wong, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, as the keynote speaker.
Her address, which was to cover Australia’s relationship with Asia and the role of Asian-Australians in the region, was disrupted less than two minutes into her speech.
The protest was not unexpected, with Students for Palestine Canberra having announced their intentions via social media days earlier.
Before the event, protesters had gathered outside Llewellyn Hall where the audience entered. One spokesperson from the protests outlined how their aim was to “make Penny Wong feel uncomfortable on our campus,” labelling Australia’s Foreign Minister a “very controversial figure.”
A spokesperson for the group stated that while “Labor’s words may have changed, their material support for Israel has not waned.”
In response to the ANU’s recent review of their Socially Responsible Investment Policy (SRI), the spokesperson said “it shows that the ANU feels under pressure, but at the same time, we think it’s nowhere near enough.”
They went on to call the policy “vague”, adding that ANU “are trying to play this off as a win for our movement, whilst maintaining the same fundamental relationship with weapons companies.”
As Wong began her speech, several protesters stood up in the hall, holding Palestinian flags. Two of the protesters shouted accusations at Wong, challenging her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“If you care about a better world, why don’t you take action with Palestine?” one protester asked, followed by another who questioned, “Why are you supporting genocide?”
The protesters criticised Wong for not sanctioning Israel and for what they allege was a one-sided approach to the conflict.
“You refuse to sanction Israel… you claim to support a two-state solution when only recognising one,” one protester asserted, before being cut off by a member of the audience.
Senator Wong attempted to respond, stating, “If I can just make a point,” but the protesters continued, with one saying, “Believe it or not, genocide is more important than one person speaking.”
The other protester questioned Wong’s commitment to Australian representation, while the first added, “There is going to be blood on your hands if you do not take action.”
Amidst the rising tension, Wong managed to regain the floor, addressing both the protesters and the audience. “I would say two things… We are a democracy, everyone’s voice matters.”
“I’m very deeply respectful of and understanding of the pain and trauma and the depth of feeling this issue generates. I would say we don’t gain anything by shouting each other down,” she stated, prompting applause from the audience.
As the protesters attempted to continue, the audience responded by clapping louder, effectively drowning out their voices.
Eventually, a representative from the university intervened, acknowledging ANU’s history of student activism and the importance of academic freedom, while reminding the protesters of the audience’s right to hear the lecture.
The representative invited the protesters to either sit down or leave the hall.
The protesters, still holding Palestinian flags, exited the hall while shouting “Free Palestine”.
Written by: Darcy Davitt & Maya Auld
Graphics by:
Know something we don’t know? Email [email protected] or use our anonymous tip submission.
If you have an issue with this article, or a correction to make, you can contact us at [email protected], submit a formal dispute, or angry react the Facebook post.
Want to get involved? You can write articles, photograph, livestream or do web support. We’re also looking for someone to yell “extra!” outside Davey Lodge at 1AM. Apply today!
