City of Sydney Council passes BDS motion, confirms it has no business with companies complicit in Israeli settlements

The City of Sydney Council has confirmed it does not and will not fund companies complicit in Israeli settlements, following a comprehensive audit of all investments and contracts against the UN database of companies involved in settlements.

The Council report is a result of a Greens motion passed in June 2024, which directed the CEO “to ensure that Council is not purchasing from companies involved in weapons or human rights abuses.”

Council also voted to reaffirm its policies to avoid companies that abuse human rights.

Greens Councillor Matthew Thompson said:
"We’re confronted with the worst of humanity each and every day: in the news, on our phones, sometimes even here spouting hatred and violence in the very community we call home. We have a duty to act.

“This is a crucial first step in ensuring our community is not complicit in funding human rights abuses against Palestinians, and we hope it will inspire others to follow.

“This brings our practices in line with our values, ensuring we won’t use Council funds to pay corporations who profit from the horrors of the illegal settlements.

“We’re showing that local Councils have a role to play in promoting justice and freedom, especially in the face of an ongoing genocide. These measures are not only possible, they are urgent.

“We hope this important step will inspire broader, sweeping reforms and strengthen the movement for peace, justice and freedom for Palestine,” Greens Councillor Matthew Thompson said.

Greens Councillor Sylvie Ellsmore said:
“Boycotts are a powerful, peaceful tool to bring positive change because they stop funding going to those complicit in violence, oppression and other injustices.

“Right now, there is a genocide underway in Gaza- the far-right Israeli government is committing horrific war crimes against the Palestinian people,” Greens Councillor Ellsmore said.