The Greens’ Nick McKim says inviting Isaac Herzog was ‘deliberately inflammatory’ - podcast
Nick McKim, a Greens MP, critiques the Australian government's invitation to Israeli president Isaac Herzog, describing it as provocative while protesting police actions against demonstrators.
Nick McKim, a prominent member of the Australian Greens, has voiced strong opposition to the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog, which he claims was a calculated provocation. Protests erupted across Australia, with McKim and other Greens MPs actively participating to express their dissent against Herzog's visit. The protests have been notably marked by confrontations involving police, particularly in Sydney, which McKim labels as excessive and aggressive, highlighting concerns about civil liberties in Australia.
In addition to addressing the high tensions surrounding Herzog's visit, McKim is also leading a parliamentary inquiry focused on Australia's capital gains tax policy, particularly the 50% discount that has benefitted investors for years. He believes that there is an opportunity to address broader economic issues, particularly the housing crisis, by aligning political will with effective policy reform. With the government considering changes to tax breaks in the upcoming May budget, McKim advocates for a reform that could significantly improve housing affordability and equity.
The combined ramifications of Herzog's visit and ongoing debates about the tax system showcase a critical moment in Australian politics, where issues of foreign policy intersect with domestic economic challenges. McKim's leadership within the Greens aims to influence both the political discourse surrounding Israel-Palestine relations and economic justice policies that specifically address the needs of everyday Australians facing housing pressures.