A Jewish Labor MP has slammed an imminent appearance in his electorate by World Vision boss Tim Costello amid allegations the aid group’s director in Gaza has siphoned millions of dollars to the militant group Hamas.
But Mr Costello confirmed he would still be speaking at Hadassah Australia’s annual oration at Glen Eira Town Hall on Wednesday night, labelling the furore over his appearance a “storm in a teacup”.
He told Fairfax Media he had agreed to speak at the Caulfield event at the request of the Jewish humanitarian organisation earlier this year, and that he would not be backing out, despite the campaign waged by Michael Danby, the federal member for Melbourne Ports
“I accepted this oration back in February,” Mr Costello said.
Mr Danby has criticised Hadassah Australia for giving the Christian charity a platform ahead of the trial of a senior World Vision official, who is accused of diverting millions of dollars in aid money to the military wing of Hamas.
Read the story by Beau Donelly in The Age.