Israel Ambassador - Amir Maimon - Meets with Young Liberal Members in Tasmania

I, Gatty Burnett, candidate for Montgomery, am deeply concerned that the meeting between Amir Maimon the Israeli Ambassador and Federal Liberal candidate for Franklin, Josh Garvin, constitutes a potential breach of Section 44 of the Australian Constitution. This provision explicitly prohibits candidates from having allegiance to, or influence by, a foreign power.

This raises serious questions about whether Josh Garvin’s actions comply with the Constitution. Section 44 is clear in its intention to ensure that candidates are free from foreign influence, and Tasmanians deserve clarity on whether this principle has been upheld.

Section 44(i) disqualifies anyone from being elected to Parliament if they are ‘under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience, or adherence to a foreign power.’ I demand that Josh Garvin provide a full explanation of the purpose, content, and outcomes of the meeting to dispel any doubt about his eligibility to run for office.

We cannot ignore the implications of private meetings with foreign representatives. The people of Franklin—and Tasmania more broadly—deserve representatives who are fully transparent and committed to their constituents, free from any external influence.

I call on the Liberal Party to disclose the nature of this interaction and affirm that all candidates comply with constitutional requirements to serve in Parliament.

Accountability is not optional—it is the cornerstone of public service. If Josh Garvin cannot disclose full transparency about his meeting with the Israeli Ambassador, this casts doubt on his suitability to represent the people of Franklin.