Responses from South Australian Candidates in the upcoming Federal Election
ENTRY @ 30 April: Since 23 April when we entered this original item to our blog, 2 more federal election candidates have responded to our YES/NO questions on Palestine. The responses were in the form of text in emails to the Chairperson of AFOPA. Those responses are replicated below.This represents 12 responses in total. 10 survey responses and 2 written responses.
From Antonio Rea, Senate Candidate for Trumpet of Patriots
Dear AFOPA team,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your important work advocating for justice and human rights.
I believe all people, regardless of their background or nationality, deserve to live in peace, security, and dignity. I support the principles of international law, humanitarian law, and the protection of human rights for all.
I am committed to Australia's role as a supporter of peaceful resolutions to conflict, including supporting efforts toward a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, based on mutual recognition, respect, and international legal frameworks.
The suffering of civilians in any conflict is a tragedy. I believe Australia must continue to advocate for the protection of human life, respect for human rights, and the pursuit of peaceful diplomatic solutions.
Thank you again for the opportunity to share my views.
Kind regards,
Antonio Rea
Senate Candidate
From Darryl Bothe. One Nation Candidate for Spence
Dear Christa,
Thank you for your message and for taking the time to express your deeply held concerns. The situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza, has stirred strong emotions across the world, and I understand the pain and frustration many feel when watching the news unfold.
Let me say clearly: I do not support war as a way to solve problems. I do not support violence as a first — or even second — resort. I believe the best and most effective way to resolve both the issues of the day and the long-standing issues of our world is through clear, honest, and high-level communication.
Sadly, history has shown us that communication can break down so badly that it reaches its lowest form: bullets and bombs. And in some tragic cases, there are people or regimes that simply will not engage in meaningful dialogue — and the only language they seem to understand is force. That doesn't mean we give up on communication — it means we have to work even harder to create pathways to understanding and peace.
I support Australia having an independent and principled foreign policy, one that is rooted in respect for human rights, the rule of law, and a commitment to peace and stability — not just in the Middle East, but around the world.
However, I am not comfortable with Australia singling out one nation while ignoring the actions of others. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deeply complex, with wrongs on both sides and a long history of broken trust, terror, retaliation, and lost lives. My position is that we should support peace efforts that bring both Israeli and Palestinian people to the table, not take sides in a way that fuels further division.
I do not support genocide, oppression, or injustice — from anyone, anywhere. I support dialogue, diplomacy, and dignity.
If elected as the Member for Spence, I will stand for principled communication and peaceful solutions, and I will oppose any attempts to suppress free speech or genuine advocacy — whether it supports Israel, Palestine, or any other cause that people feel passionate about.
I appreciate your message and your commitment to human rights, and I welcome further discussion on this or any other issue you care about.
Warm regards,
Darryl Bothe
One Nation Candidate for Spence
