- by Graham Holton
- The Guardian
- Issue #2202
March for Humanity – Sydney Harbour Bridge taken over by a rally for peace and justice in Gaza, 3 August 2025. Photo: MUA
Australian trade unions are one of the most prominent advocates for Palestinian rights in Australia, combining humanitarian advocacy with political lobbying and participation in public demonstrations.
Unions have supported the Palestinian cause since the 1970s, including self-determination, and aspects of the international Boycott, and the Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Unions have hosted Palestinian trade union delegations, and passed conference resolutions supporting Palestinian rights. They have been among the most active supporters since the outbreak of the war on Gaza in October 2023.
Among the unions that have publicly expressed support for Palestinian rights or ceasefire campaigns are the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), Australia’s peak union body, which has called for peace, protection of civilians and humanitarian relief.
The Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) has a long history of international solidarity campaigns, including Palestine. It participated in the 2024 Port Botany action and called for an arms embargo and sanctions against Israel.
The MUA has been particularly active in maintaining links with Palestinian trade unions and international labour organisations. The Australian Services Union (ASU) SA/NT branch has called for Australia to end military ties with Israel, support the BDS movement, and allow union members to participate in workplace and public action for Palestine.
The Australian union movement has developed an organised network, AUSPalestine, which promotes pro-Palestinian policies within Australian unions and the ACTU. Branches of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) have participated in solidarity campaigns. Branches of the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) supported Palestinian solidarity statements and campus actions.
Some branches of the Australian Education Union (AEU) have endorsed ceasefire and humanitarian campaigns. A number of branches and members of the Health Services Union (HSU) and Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) have participated in humanitarian advocacy and demonstrations.
Unions have adopted support for sanctions against Israel and the recognition of Palestine. Some have focused on humanitarian concerns and avoiding political division among members. This support included the call for an immediate ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and compliance with international humanitarian law. During the 200,000-strong 2025 Sydney Harbour Bridge march, unions were among the organisations publicly supporting the protest.
Unions have urged the Australian government to formally recognise the State of Palestine, support a permanent ceasefire, and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. Some maritime, manufacturing and transport union members have supported campaigns opposing the handling of military-related cargo connected with Israel, where there is a risk of contributing to violations of international law.
Australian unions have made expressions of solidarity and protests rather than the large-scale port shutdowns. A number of unions have organised donations for humanitarian organisations providing medical care and relief to civilians in Gaza.
Such actions have not been taken lightly by Israeli officials. In August 2025, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar attacked the Sydney Harbour Bridge demonstration, describing what he called an alliance between the radical left and fundamentalist Islam. Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel also strongly attacked Australian participants.
Health unions and their members might not be speaking up as much, now that the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which includes criticism of Israel amongst its ‘examples.’ Health workers are already worried about speaking out.
